Hornbeams lay their buds in the summer. Until they sprout in spring, they look like small thickenings. The hornbeam can also be distinguished from the common beech by the position of the buds. Interesting facts about hornbeam buds.
What do hornbeam buds look like and where are they arranged?
The hornbeam buds are formed in summer and are brown or reddish-brown, elongated and tapered. They differ in winter buds (5-8mm long) and flower buds (slightly longer and rounder). The arrangement on the branch is alternate and they lie close to the shoot.
The hornbeam bears winter and flower buds
- Winter buds 5 – 8 millimeters long
- enclosed by sheds
- Color brown or reddish brown
- elongated, tapering
- Flower buds a little longer and rounder
The hornbeam buds, from which the leaves and flowers later grow, are formed in summer. They are brown or reddish brown and have small hairs on the side. The arrangement on the branch is alternate. They lie very close to the shoot.
This so-called winter bud encapsulates itself with scales and enters a resting phase until it sprouts. It is very hard and is difficult to remove.
In the spring the scale shell pops open and is thrown off. Underneath lies the actual bud from which the leaf sprouts.
Leaf or flower buds?
The leaf buds are approximately 5 to 8 millimeters long and taper to a point. The flower buds are slightly longer than the leaf buds. They're not quite as sharp.
The scales of the leaf buds are significantly larger than those of the flower buds. These appear very delicate and give an idea of the later flowering in the shape of a kitten.
The buds also play a role in cutting. At least three buds, also called eyes, must remain on each shoot if the hornbeam is to branch well.
Buds open when leaves emerge
The flower buds open at the same time as the leaves begin to emerge. The hornbeam bears both female and male flowers, making it monoecious and does not need a second hornbeam nearby for pollination.
Pollination occurs via wind and insects.
Distinguish hornbeams and common beeches by their buds
In the common beech, the terminal buds are located at the tip of each shoot. A hornbeam only has pseudo terminal buds. They are slightly offset to the side of the shoot.
Tip
Hornbeams, which are often cut as hedges, rarely bloom because the flower buds are removed during cutting. Solitary hornbeams, which are allowed to grow unhindered, produce catkin-shaped male flowers and inconspicuous female flowers in winter.