Lower Risk

Ostrya virginiana (American Hophornbeam, Eastern Hophornbeam)

(Carpinus virginiana)

Ostrya virginiana (American Hophornbeam) is a small deciduous tree form the eastern half of North America. It is becoming popular as an ornamental and street tree. It is slow growing and has very hard wood. It tolerates a wide variety of soils and is disease resistant. It is sensitive to salt. American Hophornbeam is not recorded as naturalised in Australia or invasive anywhere. Seeds are spread long distances by wind and possibly birds, but seed dormancy needs to be broken by stratification. The hairs around the seed may be irritating.