Hophornbeam, American

American Hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana)

American hophornbeam, or ironwood, is a hardy native tree that is beloved for its reliability, seasons of interest, and adaptability. The tree puts out insignificant catkins in early spring followed by attractive seed pods that resemble hops. Chartreuse colored, birch like leaves persist through the summer until autumn where they turn a yellow-brown and abscise. Ironwood is also an understory tree that will grow in part shade, is virtually disease/insect resistant, and tolerates a wide range of growing conditions, including: drought and clay tolerant, deer resistant and is great on hillsides or rocky slopes. 

 

Height: 25-40ft

Spread: 20-30ft

Zone: 3-9

Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Growth Rate: Slow

Bloom Time/Color: N/A

Fall Color: Yellow-brown

Uses: Specimen, shade tree, street tree

Maintenance: Low

Tree Shape: Round/pyramidal

Other: Attractive seeds and bark