Ostrya carpinifolia

European Hop Hornbeam

Ostrya carpinifolia is a small to medium deciduous tree with an upright pyramidal form when young, gradually becoming broader and more rounded with age. It has glossy, oval, dark green leaves with sharply double-serrated edges and yellow fall color. In spring, yellow-green male catkins appear, followed by distinctive cream to pale green hop-like fruit clusters that hang from the branches and mature to tan or brown, giving the tree its common name.

Type: Deciduous tree
Mature Size: 30–40 ft. wide × 40–50 ft. tall; occasionally up to about 70 ft.
10-Year Size: About 15–20 ft. wide × 20–25 ft. tall, depending on site conditions
USDA Zones: 5a–8b, sometimes listed to 9a
Form: Upright pyramidal when young; broad oval to rounded with age
Light: Full sun to part shade; best flowering and fall color in sun
Soil / Water: Fertile, well-drained soil preferred; tolerates many soil types and some dryness once established
Bloom Time / Length: Spring; catkins and small female flowers usually appear for 1–2 weeks
Wildlife: Flowers can support bees and other insects; seed clusters may be used by birds and small wildlife; dense branching provides cover

Features & Landscape Uses:
European hop hornbeam is a durable ornamental shade tree for lawns, parks, streets, courtyards, and larger landscapes. It is valued for its clean foliage, interesting catkins, hop-like fruit clusters, yellow fall color, and tolerance of urban conditions once established. It also works well as a specimen tree or in naturalistic plantings where a tough, medium-sized shade tree is needed.

Care:
Plant in well-drained soil and water regularly during establishment. Once rooted, it is fairly adaptable and can tolerate some dry soil. Prune in late winter or early spring to develop strong branch structure and remove damaged or crossing limbs. Give it room to mature, since the crown broadens with age.

Plant type

Deciduous Tree

Height

20-25'

Width

30-40'

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Flower color

Vanilla

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Yellow

Soil

Highly Adaptable, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Provide Shade

Shape

Broad, Rounded

Fragrant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No