Eastern Hophornbeam
(Ostrya virginiana)
Eastern Hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana)
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mfeaver
CC BY 4.0
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mfeaver
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CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: mfeaver | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: mfeaver | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-06-26T09:43-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Ostrya virginiana, commonly known as Eastern Hophornbeam or American Hophornbeam, is a deciduous tree or large shrub native to a variety of habitats including dry upland forests, rocky slopes, and along streams in the Eastern and Central U.S., extending into Central America and Mexico. It typically grows to a height of 25-40 feet (7.6-12 meters) and a width of 20-30 feet (6-9 meters), with a rounded crown and a slender, often crooked trunk. The bark is distinctive, resembling that of a young American Hornbeam, with narrow, shredding strips. The small, inconspicuous flowers bloom in spring, followed by hop-like fruit clusters that persist into winter, providing visual interest and food for wildlife.
Eastern Hophornbeam is valued for its hard, strong wood and resistance to disease and pests. It is often used in naturalistic plantings, as an understory tree in larger landscapes, and for erosion control due to its adaptability to various soil conditions. It requires minimal maintenance once established, tolerating both full sun and part shade, and is able to grow in a range of soil types with different drainage levels. While it prefers moist, well-drained soils, it is quite drought-tolerant once established.CC BY-SA 4.0
Eastern Hophornbeam is valued for its hard, strong wood and resistance to disease and pests. It is often used in naturalistic plantings, as an understory tree in larger landscapes, and for erosion control due to its adaptability to various soil conditions. It requires minimal maintenance once established, tolerating both full sun and part shade, and is able to grow in a range of soil types with different drainage levels. While it prefers moist, well-drained soils, it is quite drought-tolerant once established.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 20-45 feet
- Width: 20-30 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Dry upland forests, rocky slopes, and along streams
Other Names
Common Names: Eastern Hop-Hornbeam , American Hophornbeam , Ironwood , Hardhack , Leverwood , Bois De Fer , Ostryer De Virginie , Amerikansk Humlebok
Scientific Names: Ostrya virginiana , Ostrya italica subsp. virginiana , Ostrya virginiana var. virginiana , Carpinus virginiana , Ostrya virginiana var. glandulosa , Ostrya virginica var. glandulosa , Zugilus virginica
GBIF Accepted Name: Ostrya virginiana (Mill.) K.Koch