Hop Hornbeam (Ostrya virginiana)
Ostrya virginiana, commonly known as Hop Hornbeam or Ironwood, is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree native to dry woodlands, rocky slopes, and forest edges throughout Illinois. It thrives in well-drained soils and prefers light shade to full sun, making it an excellent choice for naturalized landscapes, woodland gardens, and understory plantings.
This slow-growing tree typically reaches 25 to 40 feet tall and features a graceful, rounded crown with finely toothed, birch-like leaves that turn yellow in fall. Its bark is grayish-brown and peels in narrow, vertical strips. In spring, it produces inconspicuous catkins, and by late summer, it forms distinctive hop-like fruit clusters—papery, overlapping bracts that resemble hops, giving the tree its common name.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Ostrya virginianais a durable, low-maintenance tree with year-round interest. Its dense wood is extremely strong—hence the name ironwood—and it provides excellent habitat and food for wildlife. Songbirds and small mammals eat the seeds, while the tree also supports various moth and butterfly larvae. It pairs well with other native woodland species like Redbud, Serviceberry, and Wild Ginger in shaded or semi-shaded native plantings.
Ostrya virginiana, commonly known as Hop Hornbeam or Ironwood, is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree native to dry woodlands, rocky slopes, and forest edges throughout Illinois. It thrives in well-drained soils and prefers light shade to full sun, making it an excellent choice for naturalized landscapes, woodland gardens, and understory plantings.
This slow-growing tree typically reaches 25 to 40 feet tall and features a graceful, rounded crown with finely toothed, birch-like leaves that turn yellow in fall. Its bark is grayish-brown and peels in narrow, vertical strips. In spring, it produces inconspicuous catkins, and by late summer, it forms distinctive hop-like fruit clusters—papery, overlapping bracts that resemble hops, giving the tree its common name.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Ostrya virginianais a durable, low-maintenance tree with year-round interest. Its dense wood is extremely strong—hence the name ironwood—and it provides excellent habitat and food for wildlife. Songbirds and small mammals eat the seeds, while the tree also supports various moth and butterfly larvae. It pairs well with other native woodland species like Redbud, Serviceberry, and Wild Ginger in shaded or semi-shaded native plantings.
Ostrya virginiana, commonly known as Hop Hornbeam or Ironwood, is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree native to dry woodlands, rocky slopes, and forest edges throughout Illinois. It thrives in well-drained soils and prefers light shade to full sun, making it an excellent choice for naturalized landscapes, woodland gardens, and understory plantings.
This slow-growing tree typically reaches 25 to 40 feet tall and features a graceful, rounded crown with finely toothed, birch-like leaves that turn yellow in fall. Its bark is grayish-brown and peels in narrow, vertical strips. In spring, it produces inconspicuous catkins, and by late summer, it forms distinctive hop-like fruit clusters—papery, overlapping bracts that resemble hops, giving the tree its common name.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Ostrya virginianais a durable, low-maintenance tree with year-round interest. Its dense wood is extremely strong—hence the name ironwood—and it provides excellent habitat and food for wildlife. Songbirds and small mammals eat the seeds, while the tree also supports various moth and butterfly larvae. It pairs well with other native woodland species like Redbud, Serviceberry, and Wild Ginger in shaded or semi-shaded native plantings.
Bloom: mid- to late spring
Habitats:
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: moist to dry
Plant type (height): tree (up to 50 feet)
Requirements: full sun to light shade
Soil: clay; loam; rocky material