Table of contents
- Brief profile of the European hop beech
- Special features, use and other hop beech species
- Location
- substrate and soil
- plants and planting time
- transplant
- Pour
- hibernate
- diseases and pests
the 21st March is internationally celebrated "Day of the Forest", on which various nations determine their "Tree of the Year". Often these are regionally distributed, but sometimes they are also rare or unknown species. The European hop beech (Ostrya carpinifolia) however, fulfills both criteria: Although the deciduous tree presented in the profile is widespread, particularly in southern Germany and Austria, it is not very well known among the population.
Brief profile of the European hop beech
- German name: European or Common hop beech
- Botanical name: Ostrya carpinifolia
- Common names: hop house
- Family: Birch family (Betulaceae)
- Subfamily: Hazelnut family (Coryloideae)
- Type of tree and growth: deciduous tree or larger shrub
- Age: up to a maximum of 100 years
- Origin: southern Europe, Mediterranean region
- Distribution: Southern and Central Europe (to the southern edge of the Alps or in the Central Alps)
- Growth height: up to 15 meters, rarely up to 20 meters
- Growth width: up to 12 meters
- Trunk diameter: up to 500 centimeters
- Flowering and flowering period: similar to birch, between April and May
- Frequency: monoecious, separate sexes
- Fruits: nut fruit, similar to the female hop blossom
- Fruit ripening: between August and October
- Foliage: similar to the hornbeam, glossy dark green on top, light green on the underside
- Autumn colour: yellow
- Bark: gray to grey-brown and smooth on young trees, later cracked and dark brown
- Wood: heavy and hard, similar to hornbeam
- Root: extensive cardiac root system
- Toxicity: non-toxic
- Hardiness: hardy to approx. minus 25 degrees Celsius
Special features, use and other hop beech species
Ostrya carpinifolia is one of about eight to ten different species of the hop beech genus, but the only one native to Europe. Three other species are found in northern and northern Central America is native, while four to six other variants can be found in East Asia, primarily in China. Of these, especially the American ones (Ostrya chisosensis or knowltonii), the Japanese (Ostrya japonica) and the Virginian hop beech (Ostrya virginiana) occasionally used as a park tree in bonsai cultivation. The different species are very similar to each other in every respect. Their wood is often used for the production of furniture, among other things, and for heating, which is why the natural stocks of Ostrya carpinifolia have declined sharply.
Location
In their homeland, hop beeches grow primarily in sparse mixed forests, where they are mainly found in the community of manna ash (Fraxinus ornus), Downy Oaks (Quercus pubescens) and field maple (Acer campestre) thrive. As a garden or park tree, however, the very fast-growing and large species should preferably be planted as a solitary tree, possibly together with the service pear (Amelanchier ovalis) or the woolly snowball (Viburnum lantana).
Place the tree in a sunny, warm and rather humid location. Hop beeches need sun and warmth to thrive, which is why they prefer to live in regions with mild winters. However, light shade – as is usual in mixed deciduous forests – is also accepted.
substrate and soil
Among the peculiarities of hop beeches are their preferences in terms of nutrient-rich and rather fresh soils - even though the species mainly grows on calcareous, rather dry and often rocky slopes grows. However, it often rains at these locations, so that the high moisture requirement can be met without any problems. Nevertheless, the soil must be well drained, because waterlogging is not tolerated. Optimal is a substrate that
- nutritious
- humus to sandy
- well drained
- loose and calcareous
is. A heavy, loamy garden soil, on the other hand, is unsuitable for Ostrya carpinifolia.
plants and planting time
Plant the young tree between October and the end of March, but not during a frosty period. Make sure the desired location meets the requirements outlined and avoid working in muddy, wet ground. Dig a planting hole about two to three times the width of the tree's root ball. Handle the root ball carefully to keep it intact and not damage roots. After planting, water two watering cans on the ground, muddy the planting site well and then put in a good layer of mulch.
Tip:
At the same time, plant a plant stake, which will provide sufficient stability for the first few years. After about two years, the tree should be sufficiently rooted so that the stake can now be removed.
transplant
From a trunk circumference of about 16 to 18 centimeters, hop beeches are very reluctant to be transplanted. Most likely, the tree will then develop little foliage, and some branches and shoots may die off. Cut back the tree to be transplanted by about a third as you move it and fertilize it with compost and horn shavings. It will then sprout more vigorously and form many root shoots. Basically, hop beeches are extremely fast-growing trees that even grow again from the stump.
Pour
In the first few weeks after planting, young trees should be watered frequently to encourage new root growth. Even if it hasn't rained for more than a month during a dry and/or hot weather phase, you should go to the watering can or grab the garden hose.
hibernate
In principle, the hop beech thrives best in a location with mild winters, but is tolerant up to a temperature of approx. hardy to minus 25 degrees Celsius. Only young trees and specimens cultivated in pots need winter protection, the latter should be wintered frost-free, but cool, to be on the safe side. Late frosts in particular can cause frostbite.
Tip:
In spring, some branches and shoots may be frozen back by severe frost. Cut back the dead wood vigorously before sprouting and mulch the tree with mature compost.
diseases and pests
Hop beeches are very sensitive to fungal diseases such as
- root rot (Armillaria mellea)
- stem rot (u. a. caused by Inonotus oblique or Phellinus igniarius)
- leaf tan (Monostichella robergei)
- Bark necrosis (Fusarium wilt, Fusarium lateritium)
- mildew (Phyllactinia guttata)
- bark cancer (Cryphonectria parasitica).
Therefore, make sure that pruning measures are only carried out on dry days. Many fungal pathogens find their way into the tree mainly through persistent rain and through cuts.
The oak bark beetle(Scolytus intricatus) affects not only oaks, but also hop beeches.
Tip:
The oak bark beetle, a weevil, primarily attacks weakened trees that are cultivated too dry. You can prevent an infestation by having an adequate water supply.
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