Often found in mixed, broadleaf woodlands throughout the UK, hornbeam trees make wonderful additions to any medium to large gardens. With their ribbed green foliage, fluted grey bark and charming springtime catkins, the hornbeam is also an excellent option for hedging and pleached trees. One of the main highlights of this tree is its autumn colour; from September onwards, the green leaves turn to stunning golden yellow and honeyed amber hues. Like beech trees, hornbeams retain their foliage even during winter (though it is still a deciduous tree). This offers brilliant shelter to a whole host of birds and small mammals. Did you know? During the Somme in WW1, at the Battle of Delville Wood, the eponymous woodland was completely wiped out during the conflict. Wiped out, that is, except for one tree. Improbably, a single hornbeam managed to remain standing, and now forms a central part of the war memorial situated near Longueval, in France.
