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“I'm a firm believer in getting students out of the classroom and into experiences in nature. If students get out of their element, in a new place that stimulates their senses, that's where the best learning happens.”
Natural Sciences Assistant Professor Nick Baer
Eastern Hop Hornbeam Ostrya virginiana
Birch Betulaceae family
Leaves are double-toothed, characteristic of the birch family, and elliptical, coming to a point at the tip. Measuring 1-5" long.
Flowers are flowering catkins, often noted in winter as a cluster of three that flower in April - May.
Fruits are small, bladder-enclosed nuts that look like "hops;" hence the name. They appear August - October and many persist into the winter. This is one of the distinguishing features of this tree.
Bark is also distinctive. It is tan to brown, and "shreddy" looking with vertical grooves.
From/Habitat: Eastern Hop Hornbeam is a small tree, 20 - 30' high, and 6 - 12" in diameter. It's fairly common in our area, and prefers somewhat shady locations.
Winter Identification: Eastern hop hornbeam has distinctive catkins through the winter that are approximately 2" long, often grow in clusters of three, and are rough and rigid.
NWI Status: FACU-
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