Carpinus cordata aka Sawa Hornbeam

Carpinus cordata is a tree that sheds its leaves. Its names are heartleaf hornbeam and bigleaf hornbeam. It belongs to the birch family, Betulaceae. It is native to China, Korea, Japan, and Russia's Primorye region. It grows in forests and on moist mountain slopes. Its common name comes from its large, heart-shaped leaves.

This tree grows slowly and forms a round crown. It has many branches that grow close together. In gardens, it reaches 20–30 feet (6.1–9.14 metres) tall. Its spread is about 12–15 feet (3.66–4.57 metres). Wild trees may reach 50 feet (15.24 metres) tall. Gardeners also grow it as a large shrub or screen. The bark is dark gray to nearly black. It has scales and cracks. Branches are brown or yellow-brown. Young shoots may have hairs. Large winter buds add interest when the branches are bare.

The dark green leaves have heart-shaped bases and pointed tips. Strong veins give the leaves a clear outline. Their edges have two sizes of teeth. Hairs grow beneath the leaves and along the upper midrib. Reports differ on the leaves' fall show. NC State notes yellow leaves. Missouri Botanical Garden reports little fall color. Small green flowers grow in catkins, with male and female flowers separate. Missouri Botanical Garden lists April bloom. NC State gives May to June. Female catkins form long fruit groups that hold oblong nutlets. These showy groups look like cigars and appear in July and August.

Heartleaf hornbeam grows best in moist soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage suits it, and it accepts clay, loam, or sand. It grows in acid, neutral, and alkaline soils. Part shade suits it best, though it accepts deep shade. It can also grow in full sun. Sources place it in USDA hardiness zones 5–8. It needs a moderate amount of water and little routine care. It tolerates hard pruning for use in hedges and screens. Its shape and ability to grow in shade suit woodland gardens. It also suits planting beneath taller trees. Sources list it for street planting, too.

The cited garden sources report no serious pest or disease problems. Leaf spots, cankers, and twig blight can still occur. People use its hard, close-grained wood to make furniture. They also use it for farm tools and turned objects. Plants For A Future lists no known edible or medicinal uses. That source also reports no known hazards. This does not establish that any part is safe to eat.