Leaves of the European hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) in the ‘Langen Erlen’, one of Basel’s recreational areas.
European hornbeam is a medium-sized, slow-growing deciduous tree in the Betulaceae (beech) family. Mature trees can reach a height of 30 m and live for more than 300 years. In winter it is recognizable for its brown leaves which stay attached, dropping only in spring when the new green leaves are starting to emerge.