AKA Ironwood, Ostrya virginiana has reddish-brown male flowers and greenish female flowers that precede the leaves. Dark green birch-like leaves increase in size toward the end of a twig. Fall foliage is pale yellow, with an early leaf drop, while a few leaves stay on. Hop-like seeds sometimes persist through the winter. Bloom time is April!

Native to Ontario and parts of North America. Female catkins are followed by drooping clusters of sac-like seed-bearing pods which, as the common name suggests, somewhat resemble the fruit of hops.

This tree is ideal for any landscape setting and tolerant of shady areas and different lighting conditions. Plant in well-draining soil.