Ironwood - Ostrya virginiana

Note: This is the smaller 1 gal size, and so a lower price, but still a decent sized plant.

Also sometimes called Hop Hornbeam, because its seed clusters look like hops, and its wood is very strong.

Features: This native understory tree will tolerate moderate shade. Several species-specific moth caterpillars, beetles and leafhoppers feed on the foliage of this tree. Its long catkins provide an important source of food for some birds, even into the winter. This hardwood tree is slow-growing and has extremely dense wood, hence the name Ironwood.

Light: full sun, partial sun, shade

Soil: dry to medium

Height: 20-30 ft.

Width: 20-30 ft.

Blooms: spring

Flower color: white to green to reddish brown

Fall color: yellow

See more information and photos at: Illinois Wildflowers and North Carolina Extension Gardener

Photos: Possibility Place