Other Names: common hornbeam
Number of Species: About 30
Family: Betulaceae
Genus/Species: Carpinusbetulus
Leaf: Simple alternate, deciduous, 2–5 inches long, light green, ovate; fine, sharp, saw-toothed margin with pointed tip. The buds of the European hornbeam are curved, and this tree is a bit larger than the American hornbeam.
Bark: Gray to greenish gray and smooth
Fruit: Small nutlets that grow within a green, papery, pod-like cluster (samara)
Magickal Properties and Lore: Safety, guarding, shielding, protection, trust, strength, durability, persistence, achieving goals, healing, sight, and intuition. Sit for a spell beneath this tree or smell the leaves to relieve stress and anxiety. This tree is one that represents both the Green Man and the wisdom of the Goddess.
Practical Uses: The name hornbeam is derived from “horn” to represent strength, durability, might, toughness, and the lord of the wild, the god of the hunt, or the horned one. The word “beam” stands for tree or wood. The wood is tough and hard, used for drumsticks and tool handles. The leaves, twigs, and fruit provide food for much wildlife. This is another understory tree, meaning that it often grows under the shade or umbrella of older and taller trees. This tree is also excellent as a landscape tree.
Medicinal Properties: Can be used to treat wounds, some eye conditions, and urinary problems.