Japanese hornbeam (Carpinus japonica, Mus. Bot. 1: 308 (1851))

Family: Betulaceae

Author: Blume

Bibliography: Mus. Bot. 1: 308 (1851)

Year: 1851

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Carpinus

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & S. Japan

Description

The Japanese hornbeam is a fascinating and elegant species of tree, botanically known as Carpinus japonica. First documented in the mid-19th century, its rigorous classification is credited to the work of the renowned botanist Blume, who detailed this plant in Mus. Bot. 1: 308 back in 1851.

As a member of the Betulaceae family, the Japanese hornbeam shares its lineage with other notable trees and shrubs, known for their characteristic features and widespread accessibility in various horticultural landscapes. This particular species can be primarily found gracing the landscapes of Central and Southern Japan, where it is celebrated for its aesthetic appeal and usefulness.

Japanese hornbeams are distinguishable by their finely serrated leaves and smooth, gray bark, which provide a striking visual contrast throughout the seasons. In spring, the tree produces catkins, which are slender cylindrical flower clusters that further add to its ornamental qualities. In autumn, the foliage transforms into a bright, eye-catching display of colors, enhancing the natural beauty of the regions where it thrives.

Aside from its visual charm, the Carpinus japonica also offers practical benefits. It is often utilized in bonsai due to its manageable size and the ease with which it can be shaped. Additionally, its hardwood is valued for its strength and durability, making it useful for various woodworking applications.

In summary, the Japanese hornbeam, or Carpinus japonica, stands as a splendid example of both natural beauty and functional utility within its native habitats in Central and Southern Japan. Whether admired in a garden setting, pruned into a bonsai, or crafted into durable wood products, this tree continues to captivate and prove its worth to botanists, gardeners, and craftsmen alike.

Common Names

Eng: japanese hornbeam
Swe: japansk avenbok
Jpn: kuma-shide
En: Japanese hornbeam
Ar: شرد ياباني
Bg: Японски габър
Fi: Japaninvalkopyökki
De: Japanische Hainbuche
Hu: Japán gyertyán
Ja: Kuma-shide
No: Japanagnbøk
Ru: Граб японский
Sv: Japansk avenbok
Tr: Japon gürgeni

Synonyms

• Carpinus japonica var. cordifolia (H.J.P.Winkl.)
• Carpinus carpinus ((Siebold & Zucc.) Sarg.)
• Distegocarpus carpinus (Siebold & Zucc.)
• Carpinus carpinoides (Makino)
• Distegocarpus carpinoides (Siebold & Zucc.)
• Carpinus carpinoides var. cordifolia ((H.J.P.Winkl.) Makino)
• Carpinus distegocarpus (Koidz.)
• Carpinus japonica var. caudata (H.J.P.Winkl.)

Distribution

• Japan (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Aug 29, 2021 by philo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2022 by Marco (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2022 by Nathalie B (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2022 by Peter Szakal (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 4, 2022 by chad knott (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Oct 5, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 28, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 22, 2021 by Philippe de Spoelberch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 30, 2020 by Philippe de Spoelberch (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 29, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 14, 2022 by loic jourdan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2022 by Marco (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 5, 2022 by Sophia L (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 7, 2022 by Jennifer Jenoff (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 9, 2022 by cottali gabriella (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 30, 2020 by Philippe de Spoelberch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 30, 2020 by Philippe de Spoelberch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2019 by philippe de spoelberch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2020 by Cécilie Cécilie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 22, 2021 by Philippe de Spoelberch (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2875927)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:295263-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Carpinus japonica Blume)

Specifications

Growth