Since the hornbeam, despite its name, is not a beech but a birch tree, it does not contain beechnuts. The fruits are nuts, so-called wing nuts. In contrast to the fruits of the common beech, the fruits of the hornbeam are not poisonous. They are even edible.
What is the hornbeam fruit and is it edible?
The fruit of the hornbeam is an edible wingnut surrounded by a three-winged leaf. They ripen in September and October and can be used to propagate hornbeams. These fruits are harmless to humans and animals and are not poisonous.
Structure of the fruit
The fruit of the hornbeam consists of a small nut, approximately one centimeter long, which is enclosed by a three-winged leaf. The initially green leaf supplies the nut with nutrients.
As soon as the fruit is ripe, the wrapper turns brown and dries up.
When are the fruits of the hornbeam ripe?
Hornbeam seeds ripen in September and October. They are blown off the tree by the wind. The cover sheet acts like a propeller that blows the nut up to a kilometer away.
It stays in the ground in its new location for up to two years until it germinates. The fruits have a germination inhibition and only open if they have survived a longer period of frost.
Propagate hornbeams from nuts yourself
If you want to propagate hornbeams yourself, you can try sowing new trees from the tree's fruits.
To do this you need the seeds that you can find in the forest or on field edges. If you already have a hornbeam tree in your garden, you can also harvest nuts here.
In order to overcome the inhibition of germination, you must ensure a cold period. Place the nuts in a dark container in the refrigerator for a few weeks or sow them straight away.
Sowing hornbeams
When sowing seeds outdoors, you must remember that many animals like to harvest hornbeam fruits. There is a risk that squirrels and mice will eat the nuts. Therefore, sow the fruits in small pots that you place in a shady place.
- Prepare small pots with garden soil
- Do not place seeds too deep
- Place the pot in the shade
- Keep soil moist
- If necessary, cover with leaves or straw.
It takes up to two years for the seed to germinate and a new hornbeam begins to grow.
Frequent cutting prevents the fruit from ripening
If the hornbeam is grown in the hedge, you will usually wait in vain for flowers and later fruits. Frequent pruning in spring and summer removes the buds.
The hornbeam nut is not poisonous
While unroasted beechnuts can cause mild symptoms of poisoning if consumed, the fruits of the hornbeam are even edible.
Hornbeam fruits also pose no danger to animals, especially horses. The trees are therefore very suitable as planting for pastures.
Tip
Hornbeams are monoecious, which means that male and female flowers grow on the tree. The female flower is inconspicuous. The male flower, on the other hand, is very striking because it has the shape of a kitten.