Birch (Betulaceae)
ISM Herbarium
: Trees
: Birch (Betulaceae)
Ostrya virginiana (Hop Hornbeam)
Hop hornbeam grows from 20 to 50 feet tall in the understory of moist hardwood forests. Its range is from southern Canada (Manitoba to Cape Breton IS.) south to northern Florida and west to eastern Texas.
The alternate leaves are saw-toothed ellipses on short stalks. They are dull yellow-green with a lighter, hairy underside. Bark is light brown and ridged. Male flowers form in clusters of one to three greenish cylinders about two inches long. Female flowers are reddish-green 1/2" culsters. Fruits are 1 1/2" to 2" clusters of egg-shaped nutlets enclosed in paper-like shell, as shown in this specimen.
Collection of the Illinois State Museum
ISM Herbarium Sheet #: 86438
ISM Herbarium
: Trees
: Birch (Betulaceae)
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