The Gardens of Losse Castle: the withering of the hornbeams

The Gardens of Losse Castle: the marcescence of the hornbeams.

The Gardens of Losse Castle: the marcescence of the hornbeams.

The Gardens of Losse Castle: the marcescence of the hornbeams.

The Gardens of Losse Castle: the marcescence of the hornbeams.

In our magnificent heritage gardens, a discreet yet meaningful phenomenon captures our attention: the persistence of leaves on certain branches of Carpinus betulus—in other words, marcescence. This article aims to shed light on this phenomenon, its place in our landscape, and why it deserves to be observed and valued.

What is marcescence of charms?

The term comes from the Latin * marcescere *, meaning "to wither/dry out." In botany, marcescence refers to the situation in which a plant organ (for example, a leaf) remains attached to the plant after it has withered, whereas it would normally have fallen. More specifically: in autumn, many deciduous trees form an "abscission zone" (a layer of cells at the base of the petiole) which allows the leaf to detach from the twig. In marcescent species, this zone forms late or only partially; thus, the dead leaves remain attached until winter or even spring.

Why the hornbeam (Carpinus betulus)?

The common hornbeam belongs to the Betulaceae family, in the Fagales order. Many species in this order (such as beeches, oaks, and some hornbeams) exhibit marcescent foliage. Therefore, when you see hornbeams retaining their dead leaves, it is not a sign of disease but a natural—and heritage—trait of these trees within their historical garden setting.

Ecological hypotheses behind marcescence

Scientists have not yet identified a single definitive cause for marcescence; rather, there are multiple hypotheses, which makes it all the more fascinating. Here are two of them, particularly relevant to our gardens:

1. Delayed management of organic matter. By retaining dead leaves during the winter and releasing them in the spring, the tree could delay the release of nutrients into the soil ("natural mulch") to a time more favorable for its new buds and resumption of growth.

2. Visual or protective effect – windbreak/screen. Hanging fallen leaves can act as a "living curtain" during the winter: they reduce the impact of wind on branches, can trap snow or create a light covering, and protect buds or the base of the tree from harsh winter conditions. In a garden designed to be enjoyed year-round, this visual presence—even without vibrant greenery—is a subtle design element.

Marcescence and Renaissance gardens

In the great landscape traditions, particularly during the Renaissance, the use of hornbeam to structure hedges, avenues, or groves was common: the tree offered not only foliage in season but also a visual presence even in winter . At the Château & Gardens of Losse, this heritage practice continues: marcescent hornbeams contribute to the winter atmosphere, the texture of the landscape, and the visual structure when many other trees are already bare. Thus, marcescence is not merely a botanical curiosity: it becomes a landscape element , a visual identity feature, and a link to the history of ancient gardens.

Conclusion

The marcescence of hornbeams is a small quirk of nature—a tree that doesn't immediately shed its leaves—and yet it contributes to the richness of the landscape, the ecosystem, and the heritage. At the Château & Jardins de Losse, this characteristic of hornbeams offers a dual value: scientific (ecological) and aesthetic (landscape). On your next visit, slow down, observe, and appreciate these tenacious leaves as a discreet but powerful sign of the trees' life—even in winter.