Ostrya virginiana
Eastern Hophornbeam
Another member of the birch family, the Hophornbeam produces papery seed-bearing pods that very closely resemble the hops used in brewing beer. The tree is also known as ironwood for its very strong wood. Its bark is distinct for its flaky or shaggy appearance and peels in long vertical strips. Hophornbeam is a slow-growing tree that reaches heights up to 40ft. Like other species in the birch family, Hophornbeam is monoecious, meaning it has separate male and female flowers on the same tree. In the winter, the male catkins are brown and can be easily spotted. It is the female flowers that result in the hop-like fruits.