Pääkasvia

Pääkasvia, also known as the European hornbeam, is a deciduous tree native to Europe, western Asia, and northwest Africa. It is a member of the birch family (Betulaceae) and is closely related to the American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana). The genus name Carpinus is derived from the Latin word for hornbeam, while the specific name betulus refers to the birch tree.

The tree typically reaches heights of 20 to 35 meters (66 to 115 feet) with a trunk diameter of up to 1 meter (3.3 feet). Its bark is grayish-brown and smooth when young, becoming fissured and scaly with age. The leaves are simple, alternate, and have a serrated margin, turning yellow in autumn before falling.

Pääkasvia is dioecious, meaning individual trees are either male or female. The small, wind-pollinated flowers are produced in catkins. The fruit is a samara, a dry fruit with a single seed enclosed in a thin, papery wing. These fruits are dispersed by the wind and are an important food source for various wildlife species.

The wood of the European hornbeam is hard and durable, making it valuable for various applications such as furniture making, tool handles, and turned objects. It is also used in the production of charcoal and as a source of tannins for tanning leather.

The tree is tolerant of a range of soil types but prefers well-drained, moist sites. It is commonly found in forests, woodlands, and along riversides. Pääkasvia is also cultivated as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens due to its attractive form and interesting foliage. However, it is not as widely planted as some other tree species and may be less common in urban areas.