All About the Eastern Hophornbeam:
Scientific Nomenclature: Ostrya virginiana
Common Names: Eastern hophornbeam, ironwood, leverwood
Mature Height: 25–40 feet
Mature Spread: 20–30 feet
Growth Rate: Slow
Attracts Wildlife: Select butterfly species, birds and mammals
Messiness: Drops leaves in autumn, sometimes early autumn. Flowers from the spring drop in summer or are followed by fruit that persists from summer until winter.
Shape: Round
Native to Kentucky: Yes
Preferred Soils: Performs well in most soils. Prefers occasionally dry, well-drained or even moist clay, loam or sand. Does well in acidic (<6.0pH), neutral (6.0–8.0pH) or alkaline (>8.0pH) soils.
Screening: Typically an ornamental tree, eastern hophornbeams can be pruned and maintained to create a very interesting hedge.
Drought Tolerance: Tolerates drought, soil compaction and is resistant to fires.
Coniferous or Deciduous: Deciduous
Pruning: No pruning is necessary; however, if it's used as a screening plant it should be pruned regularly to maintain the shape of the hedge.
Climate Quick Facts:
Following being planted as a sapling, over 20 years one Eastern hophornbeam will:
- Sequester ~310 pounds of CO2.
- Reduce stormwater runoff by 250 gallons.