As a horticulture and landscaping expert , I can tell you that the deviation between hornbeam and hophornbeam lies in their bark and overall appearing . While they are often confused due to their alike names , there are distinct features that sic them apart .
have ’s start with the American hornbeam , also known as Carpinus caroliniana . This tree has a bland sinewy gamey - gray tree trunk , which is one of its most distinguishing features . The bark is lean and does not peel or shred , giving it a satiny and polished appearing . The leave of the American hornbeam are oval - shaped , with serrate edges , and turn a beautiful chickenhearted or orange color in the fall . It is a medium - sized tree that can reach elevation of 20 to 30 foot , induce it suitable for both urban and rural landscapes .
On the other helping hand , we have the American hop hornbeam , scientifically roll in the hay as Ostrya virginiana . This tree has bark that is quite different from the American hornbeam . The barque of the American hop hornbeam is brownish and rut , with a chopped grain . This gives the tree a more broken and rustic look compared to the still bark of the American hornbeam . The leaves of the American hop hornbeam are toothed and have a more or less hairy texture . In the surrender , they turn a lovely yellow or yellowish - brown color .
In terms of sizing , the American hop hornbeam is standardized to the American hornbeam , achieve heights of around 20 to 40 feet . However , it has a more minute and upright shape , giving it a distinctive appearing in the landscape painting . The American hop hornbeam also produces distinctive hop - like fruits , which hang in clusters and add visual pursuit to the tree .
To summarize the differences between the two trees :
American Hornbeam : – Smooth sinewy patrician - gray trunk – flimsy barque that does not peel or shred – Oval - shaped leaves with serrate edges – Turns yellow or orange in the fall – average - sized tree , reaching acme of 20 to 30 foot
American Hop Hornbeam : – Brownish , groove bark with a sliced texture – Toothed leaves with a somewhat hairy grain – Turns yellow or yellowish - brown in the fall – Narrow and erect shape – produce hop - like fruit in clusters
It ’s significant to remark that while these two trees partake in some similarities , such as their preference for moist grunge and their suitableness for fly-by-night areas , their barque is the central distinguishing factor . The American hornbeam has a smooth , urbane trunk , while the American hop hornbeam has a sliced and grooved barque .
In my experience as a gardening and landscaping expert , I have run into both of these Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree in various configurations . The American hornbeam is often choose for its elegant and polished appearance , while the American hop hornbeam add a more rustic and rough-textured element to the landscape . Both tree can be used to create optical stake and provide shade in gardens , park , or residential areas .
The difference between hornbeam and hophornbeam lies in the main in their bark . The unruffled sinewy blue - grey-headed trunk of the American hornbeam contrasts with the shreddy , dark-brown , furrow barque of the American hop hornbeam . These distinctive features , along with the shape and size of the leaves , help secern these two Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree in the horticulture and landscaping world .
Caroline Bates
