American Hop-hornbeam
Ostrya virginiana
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
240"–480" H × 180"–360" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 34 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
American hop-hornbeam is a slow-growing native tree with an attractive pyramidal shape when young, maturing to a rounded crown. It produces distinctive papery seed clusters that resemble hops and has smooth, gray bark that becomes furrowed with age. This understory tree tolerates shade well and is quite drought-tolerant once established.
In an HOA neighborhood
American Hop-hornbeam is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- Slow growth rate may not provide immediate impact
Wildlife value
The spring flowers provide nectar for bees and beetles during bloom time. The seeds are eaten by various birds, and the tree serves as a host plant for some native moth caterpillars.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does American Hop-hornbeam fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.