Eastern Hophornbeam

Family: Betulaceae

Species: Ostrya virginiana

Description: Hophornbeam is found in the understory in moist, well-drained forests in the east and central U.S. and is tolerant of shade. The wood is hard and pale and used in specialty items. The seed is eaten by turkey and other birds as well as small animals.

Height: 40 ft. tall

Leaves: are simple, alternate, deciduous, thin, and elliptical to ovate with a round to heart-shaped base, hair below and doubly serrate margins. Lateral veins break up toward the leaf margin.

Bark: red-brown and scaly.

Twigs: red-brown, slender, and zigzag.

Fruit: a nutlet enclosed in a hop-like paper sac.