OSTRYA VIRGINIANA / IRONWOOD

OSTRYA VIRGINIANA / AMERICAN HOP HORNBEAM

A Graceful Native Tree with Delicate Foliage and Attractive Bark

Ostrya virginiana, commonly known as American Hop Hornbeam, is a native deciduous tree admired for its graceful form, fine-textured leaves, and distinctive exfoliating bark. Thriving in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soils, Hop Hornbeam provides year-round structural interest and is valued for its hardiness, adaptability, and wildlife benefits. Its hop-like fruit clusters add ornamental appeal in late summer.

Why Choose American Hop Hornbeam?

Ornamental Bark & Fruit: Exfoliating bark and hop-like seed clusters add multi-season interest.
Hardy & Adaptable: Tolerates a wide range of soils and light conditions.
Wildlife Friendly: Seeds are eaten by birds and small mammals.
Low Maintenance: Slow-growing, long-lived, and resilient.

Key Features:

Foliage Color: Medium green leaves turning yellow in fall.
Fruit Color: Brown, hop-like seed clusters in late summer.
Height and Spread: Typically grows 30–50 feet tall and 20–30 feet wide.
Hardiness: Hardy to USDA Zones 3–9.
Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils; tolerates clay, loam, and dry conditions.

Specifications:

Plant Size: 30–50 feet tall, 20–30 feet wide.
Growth Habit: Upright to rounded deciduous tree with fine-textured foliage.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–9.
Flowering/Fruiting: Produces hop-like seed clusters in late summer.
Fall Interest: Leaves turn yellow, adding seasonal color.

Ideal Uses:

Shade Trees: Suitable for large yards, parks, and naturalized landscapes.
Specimen & Ornamental Plantings: Attractive bark and seed clusters enhance garden interest.
Wildlife Gardens: Provides seeds and cover for birds and small mammals.
Low-Maintenance Landscapes: Hardy and adaptable for various conditions.

American Hop Hornbeam is a graceful and versatile native tree. Its delicate foliage, ornamental bark, and hop-like fruits make it an excellent choice for shade, wildlife-friendly, and naturalized landscapes.