Serving the Kansas City Metro for over 25 Years
913-585-5851 [email protected]
Serving the Kansas City Metro for over 25 Years 913-585-5851 [email protected]
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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.

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

Some images in our plant database may be AI-generated or enhanced for visualization purposes.

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.

Maintenance Notes

Low

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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.

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 plan.

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