Ironwood
(Hop-Hornbeam)
Ostrya Virginiana
A slow-growing, small, cold hardy, New Brunswick native tree with wood so hard it was once used for tool handles and gears. Typically found growing wild in the forest understory; it is suitable for landscape planting in shaded areas. Male and female flowers occur on the same tree and are pollinated by the wind. Relatively free from diseases and insect problems. It has the densest wood of any native Canadian tree.
Additional information
| Foliage | Deciduous |
|---|---|
| Locale | Native to New Brunswick, Native to North America |
| Height | Small (under 30ft) |
| Width | Moderate |
| Form | Round |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Longevity | Long (over 100 years) |
| Hardiness Zones * | 3, 4, 5 |
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun (over 6 hrs), Mostly Shade (slow growth), Partial Sun (4 to 6 hrs) |
| Soil Preferences * | Moist, Slightly Acidic, Well Draining |
| Soil Tolerances | Dry, Slightly Alkaline |
| Ornamental Interest | Seeds |
| Wildlife Value | Birds (fruits/seeds), Butterfly Larvae (leaves), Small Mammals (fruits/seeds) |
| Human Value | Carpentry (wood), Fuel (wood) |
| Seed Collection | Ordered Online, Personally in NB |
| Planting Considerations | Intolerant of Road Salt |
