Hophornbeam (Ironwood)
Hophornbeam (Ironwood) (Ostrya virginiana)
Deciduous Small Tree
Size Sold: 1-0, 2-0; 12-18 inches
Native to the U.S.
COLDEST USDA Cold Hardiness Zone Where Species Typically Survives: 3
Range: throughout Central and Eastern U.S., and Canada
Typical Mature Height: 25-50 feet
Light Requirement: sun, partial shade, shade
Soils: typically well drained soils
Habitat: deciduous forests with well drained soils
Flower Color: white, yellow, green, brown
Fruit: nutlets in clusters that resemble hops
Bloom Time: spring
Wildlife Value: seeds and buds are consumed by ruffed grouse, songbirds, squirrels and other wildlife species
Uses: ornamental tree; sometimes used for fence posts; historically used for runners on sleighs
Photo by Paul Wray, Iowa State University, bugwood.org
More Information: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=OSVI