This document describes the identifying features of the hop hornbeam tree (Ostrya virginiana). It notes that hop hornbeams have alternate, oval-shaped leaves with small, saw-toothed edges. When young, the bark is smooth, but it develops into peeling, scale-like strips as the tree matures. Hop hornbeams bear both male and female flowers, with the male flowers in drooping clusters and the female in smaller reddish clusters. The fruit are small seedlings encased in "pillows". Hop hornbeams can be found in various habitats including dry woodlands, forest edges, limestone glades, and rocky slopes.
5. Leaves
Alternate
Simple
Oval shaped
Edges are double-
toothed and really
small (kind of like a
saw or a knife)
Rich dark green
6. Bark
When young it is
smooth
When tree is mature,
the bark is in flat strips
that are peeling (similar
to scales)
7. Flowers/Fruit
Has two flowers
Male flowers: slender and
drooping clusters of three
on ends of branch
Female flowers: small
reddish clusters closer to
branch
Fruit are small seedlings
incased in “pillows”
9. Location,Location,Location
Hop Hornbeams are very durable trees; full sunlight to
light shade, moist to dry soil, clay to rocky soil, etc.
Very slow developing tree
Typical habitats include dry deciduous woodlands,
woodland edges, limestone glades, and rocky wooded
slopes.
Hop Hornbeam is usually found in upland woodlands. It
is sometimes cultivated as a lawn tree.
