Ostrya virginiana (Hop-Hornbeam)

Ostrya virginiana, also called hop-hornbeam or American hophornbeam, is a medium-sized deciduous tree typically found in upland forest areas throughout much of eastern North America. Commonly growing as an understory tree, hop-hornbeam typically reached 25-40' in height with canopy of about 20-30' wide. Well-regarded for its ecological value and the ornamental appeal of its spring-blooming male catkins, which dangle below branches and somewhat resemble hop fruits. Although the male catkins are showy, female flowers are relatively inconspicuous; Ostrya virginiana is a monoecious species, meaning that both male and female flowers occur on the same plant, so even if there is a different in appearance, all plants should produce both showy and less-showy flowers. 

American hophornbeam is easily grown and acts as a wonderful source of food and shelter for birds, small mammals, and a number of butterfly species. Ostrya virginiana grows best in average, medium-dry, well-drained soils and tolerates both full sun and partial shade. Hop-hornbeam is an adaptable tree, tolerating drought, deer damage, and clay soils, and is well known for its hard, dense wood; hop-hornbeam is another tree in the loose grouping of trees called 'ironwoods,' alongside American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana) and a large variety of other non-native trees.