Ironwood

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

Botanical Name: Ostrya virginiana*
Common Name: Ironwood

Updated 11/2012

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 for Birds: Seeds; shelter

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

* Native to Midwest

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