Ironwood or Hop-Hornbeam

Tagged as: Salt-Tolerant Trees and Shrubs, Plants for Shady Sites, not favored by deer, Native Trees, Intermediate Sized Trees, Trees and Shrubs That Attract Birds

Botanical Name: Ostrya virginiana*
Common Name: Ironwood, Hop-Hornbeam

Click on an image to enlarge

Height: 25-30'  Spread: 15-20'  Habit/Form: Pyramidal in youth; rounding with age  Growth Rate: Slow  Zone: 3-9  
Cultural Requirements: Best in full sun to part shade. Often found as an understory tree in deciduous forests. Grow in moist, well-drained soil. It is very tolerant of dry conditions but cannot survive flooding. This tree is not susceptible to any serious disease or insect problems.
Ornamental Characteristics: A strong central leader with graceful, fine-textured branching. Its reddish bark becomes shredded with age. Paper-thin leaves turn a pale yellow in the fall.
Uses in the Landscape: Excellent in natural areas, as a street tree, or ornamental shade tree.

Birds Attracted: Songbirds, finch, robin, cardinal, and catbird
Plant Appeal: Seeds; shelter

Aerial Salt Tolerance: Moderate degree of salt tolerance; use in low salt areas

* Native to Midwest

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