the U.S. and southern Canada, making it quite
geographically versatile as well.
Hophornbeam is not tremendously showy except
in its yellow fall foliage, but it does have subtle
beauty. Its bark is a defining feature—dark
brown and shreddy, its strips peel up at the ends
and swirl around the trunk. Neither its male nor
female flowers are remarkable, though its cat-
kins are a good winter ID characteristic—small
and grouped in threes, they look like bird feet.
The fruit is contained in a chain of inflated,
papery sacs resembling hops and giving the tree
its common name. These interesting fruits are
present through winter and invite close inspec-
tion. However, they have hairs that can be a mild
skin irritant when newly formed in fall, so han-
dle with care. The small, pointed buds have tiny
lengthwise striations, which are quite distinctive
and attractive when viewed through a hand lens.
Long neglected because of its reputed difficulty
in transplanting and its slow growth, hophorn-
beam rewards those who make the effort by
providing years of trouble-free service. Equally
appropriate and attractive in natural areas, land-
scape settings, and on the streetside, its versatil-
ity and toughness make it an excellent addition
to any plant palette.
(left) Where road salts are infrequently applied, Ostrya
virginiana makes an excellent street tree. This specimen
is seven years old. (above) The unique Ostrya virgini-
ana fruit is a chain of inflated papery sacs, each
containing a nutlet.
Cene Ketcham is the Extension Arborist at
Casey Trees in Washington, D.C. He is an
ISA Certified Arborist and Tree Risk
Assessment qualified.
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