Ostrya virginiana
hophornbeam, American hophornbeam, eastern hophornbeam
Notes:
Understory tree in nature. Rick Darke writes in The American Woodland Garden that this tree grows natively in dry woods and rocky sites (as opposed to the related and similarly-nicknamed Carpinus caroliniana, which is usually found in moist woods and alluvial soils).
Pyramidal in youth, oval to rounded with age, also dense and twiggy. Great for climbing.
Soil compaction tolerance is debated (NCSU vs. itself on the same page, somehow, and also Dove/Woolridge vs. USDA). May be difficult to transplant; Dirr/Warren suggest spring planting.
'JFS-KW5' (Autumn Treasure) is vigorous, more upright, well structured, and bare in winter. 'Camdale' (Sun Beam) is cold hardier but slower and somewhat marcescent (dead leaves persist in winter).
Sources: White Oak, Sunset, NCSU, Dove/Woolridge, UFL, JerseyYards.org, Missouri BG, USDA, Dirr/Warren.
Tags:
acidic soil preferred
attracts:birds (ex-humming)
attracts:larval host
attracts:mammals
branches strong
clay tolerant
deer resistant
dense canopy
drought tolerant
easy to grow
exposure:full shade
exposure:full sun
exposure:part shade
fall color notable
fine texture
fire risk low
form:multi-trunked
form:trainable to single trunk
form:tree
habit:conical/pyramidal
habit:oval
habit:rounded
infertile soil tolerant
litter:minimal
long-lived
native:eastern North America
persistence:deciduous
pest/disease free
pruning not required
resprouts notably
roots:low damage potential
roots:shallow
salt intolerant
sandy soil tolerant
showy bark
slow-growing
type:broadleaf
use:container
use:deck/patio
use:screen
use:shade tree
use:specimen
use:street
water:moderate to little
water:regular
well-drained soil required
wind tolerant
WON high-value plant
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