Hop Hornbeam
Ostrya carpinifolia
Family: Betulaceae
What it is like
Ostrya carpinifolia is a deciduous Tree growing to 15 m (49ft) by 15 m (49ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower in September. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 15
Where it is found
Deciduous forests and scrub, open pine forests, very often on dry and stony limestone hills from 50 - 1700 metres in Turkey.
S. Europe to W. Asia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
Wood - hard, very tough, close grained. Used for general carpentry and for charcoal.
Charcoal: Used for fuel, drawing, deodorant, filter, fertilizer etc.
Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.
How it is grown
An easily grown plant, succeeding in most soils, and growing well on chalk. It succeeds in full sun or semi-shade. Plants are hardy to at least -20°c. A very ornamental tree, but it is slow to become established. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame, it normally germinates in spring. The germination rate is variable but usually good. 'Green' seed, harvested when the embryo has fully formed but before the outer coat has dried, sown immediately in a cold frame germinates very well. Stored seed requires stratification, 3 months warm then 5 months cold usually works well but germination can take 18 months. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Canopy;
Habit: Tree
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist