![The Hornbeam in Purmerend](https://assets.plaece.nl/thumb/KnBQkNPZ4g3jKBMRL5a_xoQ2JH446WcX9rN8NkOhYRE/resizing_type:fit/width:960/height:0/gravity:sm/enlarge:0/aHR0cHM6Ly9hc3NldHMucGxhZWNlLm5sL29kcC1saG8vaW1hZ2Uvc2NoZXJtYWZiZWVsZGluZy0yMDIyLTA2LTAyLTExNTMwMS00MjU4ODk3Mjg2Xzk0Nzc4OTEzNS5wbmc.png)
Hornbeam | Carpinus betulus
To the left of the hill you see a rather extraordinary hornbeam. It can live up to 200 years. If you don't prune it to shape, it can reach a width of up to 10 metres.
The hornbeam is a member of the birch family. Sometimes it is confused with the common beech for hedges: the fagus. Main difference between these two? The hornbeam is deciduous, with the fagus the withered leaves remain on the plant in winter.