Also known as American Hop-Hornbeam · American Hophornbeam · Eastern Hop-Hornbeam
Hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana) is a slow-growing, small to medium-sized deciduous tree native to eastern North America.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
50% intensity
Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade. In very hot climates, afternoon shade can be beneficial.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging. Reduce watering during dormancy.
Adaptable, prefers moist, well-drained soil
50% intensity
Hardy
25% intensity
Tolerates a wide range of temperatures, including cold winters and moderate summers. Well-suited for USDA hardiness zones 3-9.
Low
25% intensity
Generally not needed unless soil is poor. Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring if growth is weak.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, especially during establishment and dry periods. Aim for consistently moist, but not waterlogged, soil. Reduce watering in winter. Check soil moisture by inserting a finger about 5 cm deep; water if dry.
Mature trees are relatively drought-tolerant.
Prune to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. This can be done anytime, but late winter or early spring before new growth emerges is ideal.
Pruning for shape or size is best done after flowering in late spring or early summer. Avoid heavy pruning.
Propagation is typically done through seed or cuttings. Seeds require a period of stratification (cold, moist treatment) to break dormancy.
Cuttings can be taken from semi-hardwood in summer and treated with rooting hormone. Germination can be slow and inconsistent.
Repotting is rarely necessary for Ostrya virginiana as it is typically grown as a landscape tree. If container-grown specimens become root-bound, repot in early spring before new growth begins into a slightly larger container with well-draining potting mix.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana)
Where Hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana) is found
Density
Tap map to explore
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fagales |
| Family | Betulaceae |
| Genus | Ostrya |
| Species | Ostrya virginiana |
Similar in genus Ostrya
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
