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American hophornbeam

How to identify American hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana)

American hophornbeam, also known as Ironwood, Leverwood

American hophornbeam is a deciduous tree characterized by its generally rounded to oval canopy and horizontally drooping branches. It can reach heights of 20 to 35 feet (6 to 10.7 meters), with a trunk diameter of 7 to 10 inches (17.8 to 25.4 cm), but it can also grow taller, up to 50 feet (15.2 meters) with a trunk diameter of 24 inches (60 cm). The wood is notably hard, and it produces distinctive hop-like fruits. Typically, it grows slowly, achieving 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.6 meters) in height over a 15-year period.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify American hophornbeam

1

Distinctive hop-like fruits that hang in drooping clusters, enclosing ribbed nutlets.

2

Alternate, birch-like leaves with a doubly toothed margin and fuzzy stems.

3

Monoecious catkins appearing in clusters of three, male catkins red-brown and drooping.

4

Light gray to reddish-brown stem bark with a shredding texture, slender drooping branches.

5

Rough, scaly mature bark with loose scaly plates that peel away, developing a rugged texture.

American hophornbeamAmerican hophornbeamAmerican hophornbeamAmerican hophornbeamAmerican hophornbeam

Detailed Traits of American hophornbeam

Leaf Features

The leaves of american hophornbeam are alternate, birch-like, and oval to lance-shaped, measuring up to 5 inches (12.7 cm) in length. They feature a doubly toothed margin with a sharply-serrated edge. The leaves are dark yellowish-green in color and have a fuzzy stem. The texture of the leaves is relatively coarse due to the presence of hair on both sides. In autumn, the leaves turn an undistinguished yellow and often drop early.

Leaf Base

Cordate ,
Cuneate

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Leaf Apex

Acuminate

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Flower Features

The flowers of american hophornbeam feature monoecious catkins that appear in clusters of three each April. The male flowers are red-brown, drooping catkins with scaly bracketed spikes formed in the previous summer, measuring around 2-4 inches (5-10 cm). The female flowers are light green, erect catkins situated on new twigs. While not particularly showy, the male catkins are more prominent and can be seen through the winter.

Inflorescence Type

Ament/Catkin

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Stem Features

The stem of american hophornbeam is characterized by light gray to reddish-brown bark with a distinctive shredding texture. It often exhibits furrows and a rough, scaly surface. Branches are slender, tend to droop towards the ends, and may display a zigzag pattern. The stem can reach diameters of up to 1.3 feet (40 cm). The overall structure is somewhat narrow, making it a key feature for identification in distinguishing american hophornbeam.

American hophornbeam Stem image
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Fruit Features

The fruit of american hophornbeam consists of distinctive sac-like pods that hang in drooping clusters. These seed-bearing capsules capture attention as they bear a resemblance to hops. Each pod encloses a 1/4 inch (about 6 mm) nutlet, notable for its ribbed surface. The nutlet itself is nestled within a leafy, bladder-like sac that has a papery texture and persists through winter. The pods retain their form on the tree from summer through the cold seasons, providing a unique visual interest.

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Key Facts About American hophornbeam

Attributes of American hophornbeam
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Tree
Plant Height
6 m to 11 m
Spread
8 m to 9 m
Fruit Color
Brown
Copper
Stem Color
Red
Brown
Leaf type
Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of American hophornbeam

Family
Birch
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Species
American hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana)
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Distribution Map of American hophornbeam

American hophornbeam's native range spans the majority of the region from Central Canada to Mexico. It hasn't seen any further distribution. You'll find american hophornbeam growing naturally in damp woodland or on shady ridges and slopes in gravel soil.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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