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Hop-hornbeam
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Small tree, 20 to 30 ft. tall with shaggy bark when young,
unlike the shagbark hickory which only becomes shaggy when mature. The
name comes from the resemblance of the fruit clusters to hops used in making
beer.
BUDS: Round in cross section; sharp-pointed; false end buds TWIGS: Slender; may be slightly hairy; yellow to red-brown; small catkins throughout winter BARK: Grooved and shreddy, "hopping" bark; brownish HABITAT: Moist soil; understory tree USES: The tree's common name "Ironwood" refers to its tough wood used for tool handles and fenceposts. The slow grwoing tree is sometimes planted as an ornamental. |