Ironwood, Eastern Hop Hornwood

Ostrya virginiana

The Eastern Hop Hornbeam, also known as Ostrya virginiana, is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree native to eastern North America. Here's some information about it:

1. Appearance: The Eastern Hop Hornbeam typically grows to a height of 30-40 feet (9-12 meters) with a spread of 20-30 feet (6-9 meters). It has a slender, upright form with a rounded crown. The bark is grayish-brown and develops a shaggy texture as the tree matures.

2. Leaves: The leaves of the Eastern Hop Hornbeam are alternate, simple, and serrated. They are dark green during the summer and turn yellow or yellow-brown in the fall, adding a touch of autumn color to the landscape.

3. Flowers: In the spring, the Eastern Hop Hornbeam produces inconspicuous flowers that are not particularly showy. The male flowers are catkins, while the female flowers are small and greenish.

MAINTENANCE NEEDS: Low Maintenance. Intolerant of salt and heavy air pollution.

LANDSCAPE USES:  Accents or Group Plantings,  Borders,  Woodland Gardens,  Naturalized Areas,  Native Gardens, and  Shade Tree.

COMPANION PLANTS:  Witch Hazel, Oak, Japanese Maple

Image: Photo by David J. Stang,  Ostrya virginiana 11zz,  CC BY-SA 4.0