Native Plant Trust

Ostrya virginiana

ironwood, hop hornbeam

American hop hornbeam, or ironwood, is a small understory tree found in many woods throughout New England. It makes an excellent street tree in the right conditions, with a rounded crown and characteristically shaggy bark. It has beech-like leaves and, on female individuals, seed-pods that strongly resemble hops. Its second common name, ironwood, refers to the high density and durability of the wood.



Return to Plant Search Home


Height: 20-30 ft
Spread: 10-18 ft
Hardiness Zone: 4-9


Bloom Color: Insignificant

Characteristics & Attributes

Cultivation Status
Species
Exposure
Sun
Part Shade
Soil Moisture
Average
Dry
Ecoregion
(83) Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands
(59) Northeastern Coastal Zone
(84) Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens
(82) Acadian Plains and Hills
(58) Northeastern Highlands
Ornamental Interest
Summer Fruit
Attracts Wildlife
Other Pollinators/Wildlife
Attracts Songbirds
Pollinator Powerhouse Plant
Host Plant
Tolerance
Deer/Rabbit Resistant
Urban Environment
Drought Tolerant
Additional Attributes
Low Maintenance
Landscape Use
Naturalize
Rain Garden
Specimen


North American Distribution


ironwood, hop hornbeam - Ostrya virginiana from Native Plant Trust
ironwood, hop hornbeam - Ostrya virginiana from Native Plant Trust