Hornbeam Maple (Acer carpinifolium) is a deciduous tree native to Japan, recognized for its distinctive foliage that resembles the hornbeam. It typically reaches a height of 8-10 meters with a rounded crown. In agroecology and regenerative agriculture, Hornbeam Maple serves as a mid-canopy layer in food forests, offering shade and habitat for wildlife. Its dense canopy creates microclimates beneficial for understory plants. The leaf litter enriches the soil with organic matter, enhancing fertility. Historically, the wood has been used in Japan for crafting tools and small furniture due to its hardness. In a guild, it pairs well with nitrogen-fixing shrubs like Siberian Peashrub (Caragana arborescens) and ground covers such as clover to improve soil health.
Growing Details
Hornbeam Maple thrives in well-drained, loamy soils with a preference for slightly acidic to neutral pH. Prior to planting, incorporate organic compost to improve soil structure. Mulching with leaf litter or wood chips helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants include nitrogen-fixing species like clover and shrubs such as elderberry. Avoid waterlogging, as it can lead to root rot. Prune minimally to maintain shape. Harvesting is not applicable as the tree is not grown for edible
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Acer carpinifolium</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to Japan
applicable geo region: East Asia
language used: en
Flowering:
beginning
of May for 30 days
Harvest:
beginning
of September for 60 days
Seed Start:
?
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(0/5)
edible uses:
Medicinal Rating:
(0/5)
medicinal uses:
health concerns:
other uses: The wood of Hornbeam Maple is hard and can be used for small woodworking projects. It is also valued for its ornamental appeal in landscape design.
Scientific Literature
Loading scientific articles about <strong>Acer carpinifolium</strong>...
Botanical data
specie: Acer carpinifolium
common names: Hornbeam Maple
family: Sapindaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Acer
Growing Conditions
area needed: 0.0 m
spacing: 5.0 m
growing difficulty: Medium
Deciduous / Evergreen: Evergreen
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 0ยฐC / 0ยฐC / 0ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 0ยฐC / 0ยฐC / 0ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity:
light demands: High
root type: Medium
frost tender: Low
hardness:โโโโโโโโโโ(6/10)
first harvest: 0 years
life span: 0 years
succession: Mid
growth rate: Slow
max height: 10.0 m
max width: 6.0 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Monoecious
growth details: Hornbeam Maple thrives in well-drained, loamy soils with a preference for slightly acidic to neutral pH. Prior to planting, incorporate organic compost to improve soil structure. Mulching with leaf litter or wood chips helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants include nitrogen-fixing species like clover and shrubs such as elderberry. Avoid waterlogging, as it can lead to root rot. Prune minimally to maintain shape. Harvesting is not applicable as the tree is not grown for edible
Potential Disturbances: Hornbeam Maple is generally pest-free but can occasionally be affected by aphids or scale insects. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to control aphid populations. Neem oil can be used as an organic spray to manage scale insects. Planting garlic or chives nearby can help repel pests naturally.
Growth Timeline
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