Hornbeam Maple
Acer carpinifoliumfam. Sapindaceae
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Pl. 0200 — Acer carpinifolium
Acer carpinifoliumAcer carpinifoliumAcer carpinifoliumAcer carpinifoliumAcer carpinifoliumAcer carpinifoliumAcer carpinifoliumAcer carpinifoliumAcer carpinifoliumAcer carpinifoliumAcer carpinifoliumAcer carpinifoliumAcer carpinifoliumAcer carpinifolium
IOverview
Overview
The Hornbeam Maple (Acer carpinifolium) is a deciduous tree native to Japan, belonging to the Sapindaceae family. Known for its ornamental value and medicinal uses, this plant can grow up to 10 meters in height. It thrives in moist conditions with light to partial shade, making it adaptable to various soil types including sandy, medium, and clay soils. The tree is hardy in zones 4-7 and is valued not only for its edible sap but also for traditional medicinal purposes. Its distinctive feature lies in its leaves, which resemble those of hornbeams, hence the common name.
Quick answers
What is Hornbeam Maple?
The Hornbeam Maple (Acer carpinifolium) is a deciduous tree native to Japan, belonging to the Sapindaceae family. Known for its ornamental value and medicinal uses, this plant can grow up to 10 meters in height.
IV·bMixology suggestions
2 drafts
Mixology suggestions
2 draftsEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Stress Relief
stresstincture
Traditionally used for calming the mind.
Digestive Ease
digestiondecoction
Historically used to soothe digestive issues.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Hornbeam Maple (Acer carpinifolium) thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows well in temperate regions with a hardiness range of 4-7. This tree can reach a height of 10 meters and its sap is edible. Ensure the planting site has adequate moisture while allowing for various soil types to support healthy growth.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-7
Mature size
10.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Hornbeam Maple for the first time
8steps
Start with planting a young Hornbeam Maple for a low-maintenance, beginner-friendly experience.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Hornbeam Maple sapling and well-draining soil.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late autumn when the ground is not frozen.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is light, medium, or heavy with good drainage. Amend if necessary.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young saplings into a prepared garden bed or large pot.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for signs of stress.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun to partial shade, and water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts to maintain shape and remove dead branches.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soils without amending, neglecting winter protection in colder zones.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Sap
Edible uses: Sweetener
Other uses:Preservative
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
1 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
1 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 1 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Japan
XSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Sapindaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Sapindaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 02003262-a1fc-4e76-8163-c789d43545b6
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