CL-October 2024 - 35

BRANCHING OUT
Eastern
A
Hophornbeam
A tree for all seasons
by Steve Carroll, Contributing Columnist
D
slow-growing,
medium-sized
tree that may reach
30 to 40 feet
in height.
espite having four-season interest, Eastern
hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana) is oſten
underappreciated and underplanted. One distinctive
feature - and the source of its most widely used common
name - are the distinctive fruit clusters that resemble
those of beer-making hops. Another of its common names,
ironwood, recognizes its very hard wood, but this name is
more oſten applied to the closely
related Carpinus caroliniana
(also called musclewood). Yes,
common names can be confusing.
Hophornbeam is a slowgrowing,
medium-sized tree
that may reach 30 to 40 feet in
height. It's in the birch family
(Betulaceae), so is related to
birch, alder and filbert, as well
as the ironwood/musclewood
mentioned above. It will grow in
full sun to full shade, preferring
some shade, and it does best
in moist to dry soil having a
slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Hophornbeam tolerates drought,
wind and ice, but not flooding
or salt. During spongy moth
(formerly gypsy moth) outbreaks,
it can experience significant leaf
loss but otherwise does not suffer
greatly from insects or disease.
Because of its wide environMale
catkins
caterpillars of a number of butterfly and moth species.
Though not one of our showiest fall trees, leaves
do turn yellow to orange-brown.
Flowers are grouped in separate male and
female catkins that form on the same tree.
Pollination by wind occurs as the leaves expand.
Aſter fertilization, seeds form in tight clusters
of 10-20 inflated pillow-like sacs, forming the
hops-resembling clusters shown in the photo. These
sacs, each of which contains a single nutlet, are yellow when
formed, then turn brown in autumn. It's not unusual for
these to persist through the fall and into winter.
In addition to its characteristic fruit, hophornbeam
also forms distinctive, ornamental bark. On mature trees,
the reddish-brown bark forms long, narrow, vertical strips
attached in the middle but curled
out at the ends, lending a shaggy
appearance. This bark contributes
to the tree's horticultural value,
particularly during winter.
Buds, catkins and seeds are
Leaves showing
fall color
Hop-like
fruits
eaten by deer, small mammals,
grouse, turkey and other birds;
the leaves are host plants for
caterpillars of a number of
butterfly and moth species. The
hard, heavy, durable wood -
harder even than oak, ash and
persimmon - has been used in
making sleigh runners, wagon
wheel hubs, tool handles and
more. Native Americans pounded
wood chips into a powder, a tonic
from which was then used to
treat fever, skin conditions and
indigestion.
Hophornbeam does not
mental tolerance and resistance
to drought, hophornbeam can be
planted as a street tree and in and
around parking lots. Especially
when grown in the open, lower branches are oſten horizontal
to slightly drooping. Its natural range stretches from Nova
Scotia and Manitoba south to Texas and northern Florida.
In the southeast U.S., it is more common inland than along
the coastal plain.
Leaves are 4 to 8 inches long and 2 to 4 inches wide. They
Distinctive
flaky bark
are usually tapered at both ends, are darker above than below,
and have doubly toothed margins. The leaves are fed on by
co-opliving.com
show off. Its spring flowers
are overshadowed by those of
dogwood and redbud. Its fruits,
though unique, can't compete
with pawpaw and persimmon.
And its fall foliage fades into the
background in competition with sugar maple, red maple
and black tupelo. Taken together, however, hophornbeam
has something to brag about year-round. If only there was
room on our small property to plant one.
*
CL
Steve Carroll is a botanist and ecologist who speaks and writes
about trees, gardening and the world of plants. He is the co-author
of " Ecology for Gardeners, " published by Timber Press.
October 2024 * Cooperative Living * 33
ALL PHOTOS BY KATJA SCHULZ VIA FLICKR
http://www.co-opliving.com
CL-October 2024

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