Carpinus betulus

European hornbeam

Carpinus betulus, commonly known as European hornbeam, is a resilient deciduous tree native to European woodlands. Renowned for its incredibly dense, hard wood, it holds significant ecological and practical value. Beyond its structural uses, this species plays a vital role in forest biodiversity and traditional botanical landscapes.

  • Scientific name: Carpinus betulus
  • Family: Betulaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Fagales, it is classified under the family Betulaceae. Specifically, it is identified by the genus Carpinus.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Fagales WCVP
Family Betulaceae WCVP
Genus Carpinus WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Carpinus betulus, is recognized by various common names across different regions and languages. In Welsh, it is referred to as Hobich, while in Polish, it is called grab pospolity. The French name for this species is charme commun, and in Belarusian, it is known as Граб звычайны. Additionally, in Lithuanian, the plant is identified as Parostais skroblys.
Language Common Name Source
lb Hobich Wikidata
pl Grab pospolity Wikidata
fr charme commun Wikidata
be Граб звычайны Wikidata
ltg Parostais skroblys Wikidata
hu közönséges gyertyán Wikidata
et harilik valgepöök Wikidata
de Hainbuche Wikidata
sq Shkoza e bardhë Wikidata
hsb Wšědny hrab Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide range of presence across various parts of the European continent. In Northern Europe, it can be found growing within the territories of Denmark and Great Britain. Its distribution continues further north into the landscapes of Norway and Sweden. Additionally, the species extends its reach into Middle Europe. Specifically, it is also documented as part of the natural flora in Austria.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Norway WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP
Middle Europe Hungary WCVP
Middle Europe Netherlands WCVP

Chemicals

Carpinus betulus has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoid, pheophorbide a.

Total chemicals
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
flavonoid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
pheophorbide a 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Carpinus betulus has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include inflammation.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
inflammation 1 ★☆☆☆☆