Ostrya virginiana American Hophornbeam

A small tree approaching 30’ in height when mature and native throughout much of eastern North America. With age plants develop an elegant horizontal framework with gently nodding branch tips. The simple leaves are medium green in color and superficially resemble their cousin Carpinus caroliniana. In summer and fall, plants are decorated with pendulous hop-like fruiting structures that dangle like ornaments from the wiry stems. Plants are at their best in bright shady locations in rich, freely draining soils. Though underutilized in cultivation, plants make excellent additions to shade gardens and naturalized plantings.