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Public Plant Profile

Ironwood (Eastern Hop Hornbeam)

Ostrya virginiana

Category: Deciduous Tree • Ironwood

Discover the Ironwood tree, a resilient shade tree with attractive bark and fall color, perfect for urban landscapes.

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Mature Height: 30-50 feet

Mature Width: 20-30 ft

Light: Part Sun/Part Shade

Zone: Zones 3-9

Maintenance: Low

Growth Rate: Slow

Season of Interest: Multi-season

Foliage: Deciduous

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Bold Outdoors Verified Insight

Designed & Reviewed by

Josh Graber

Owner and Landscape Designer · Kansas State University · 25+ Years Experience

B.S. in Horticulture and Landscape Design – Kansas State University

25+ years of industry experience

Description

Ironwood, also known as Eastern Hop Hornbeam, is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree known for its dense, tough wood and attractive bark. It features oval leaves and produces hop-like fruit clusters.

Ideal Conditions

Thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. It tolerates a range of moisture levels.

Soil Preferences

Well-drained soils are ideal, with moderate moisture. It can adapt to various pH levels.

Sun Needs

Part Sun/Part Shade

Landscape Guidance

Landscape Use

specimenshade tree

Special Features

Attractive barkgood fall color

Wildlife Value

Attracts birds and provides habitat.

Resistance / Tolerance

Drought tolerant.

Notes from Our Designer

Ideal for urban settings due to its tolerance of pollution. Provides excellent shade and visual interest.

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Design Ideas Using This Plant

Use this page to get a feel for where Ironwood (Eastern Hop Hornbeam) may fit in the landscape, then explore similar plants below for more ideas on form, texture, and overall planting style.

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Helpful Next Steps

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ironwood (Eastern Hop Hornbeam) a good fit for Kansas City landscapes?

That depends on sun exposure, moisture, spacing, and how the plant will be used in the overall design. Bold Outdoors evaluates those practical conditions before recommending a plant broadly.

How should homeowners use this plant information?

Use the plant profile as a planning tool for size, conditions, and visual role, then connect it to the broader landscape design and installation plan for the property.

Next Step

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