Hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana)

Plantae>Magnoliophyta>Magnoliopsida>Fagales>Betulaceae>Ostrya virginiana (P. Mill.) K. Koch

	Hophornbeam is a fairly common understory tree, similar to the related American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana) but with rough bark and hop-like fruiting clusters. Jones Co., NC 7/18/2008.
	Hophornbeam is especially common in rocky woods and in areas with basic bedrock. Granville Co., NC 5/16/09.
	Granville Co., NC 5/16/09.
	The leaves are similar in shape to the smooth leaves of American Hornbeam, but are hairy. Another common confustion species is American Hazelnut (Corylus americana). Jones Co., NC 7/18/2008.
	Leaf undersides. Jones Co., NC 7/18/2008.
	Female flowers apear in May. Granville Co., NC 5/16/09.
	Granville Co., NC 5/16/09.

The hop-like fruiting clusters are papery and mostly filled with air.

Durham Co., NC 4/1/07.

Male flower clusters (catkins) appear in early spring.

Person Co., NC 4/1/06.

	Witches'-brooms, growths of dense clusters of branchlets caused by various pathogens, are very common on Hophornbeam.
	The shreddy bark is quite unlike the smooth, muscular bark of American Hornbeam.

Bark of a small tree.

Person Co., NC 4/1/06.

Bark of a large tree.

Durham Co., NC 6/27/2009.