Before you start browsing
We use cookies to optimize site functionality and provide you with the best possible experience. By accepting, you consent to our use of cookies.

Accept All View Details

About Ostrya carpinifolia (Hop hornbeam)

Ostrya carpinifolia - Commonly called European hop hornbeam, is a small to medium deciduous tree that typically matures to 40-50' (less frequently to 70') tall featuring an upright pyramidal shape when young which broadens with age as side-branching develops and the crown rounds. Alternate, glossy, oval, dark green leaves (to 5" long) have pointed tips, rounded bases and doubly serrated edges. Leaves turn yellow in fall. Yellowish-green catkins appear in spring (male to 5" long and female to 2" long). Each female catkin gives way to a pendulous seed cluster (2-3" long) containing 6 to 20 small nutlets. Each nutlet is enclosed in a bladder-like involucre bract. The seed clusters are reminiscent of the hops (Humulus) used to make beer. Nutlets mature in summer. Scaly gray bark.  Family: Betulaceae