The
hophornbeam is closely related to the hornbeams
(Carpinus species) and both represent
8 to 10 species of small
deciduous trees. They have alternate leaves that
are toothed similar to the birches. In the
spring, they produce catkins and carry their
seeds in a small nut enclosed in a bladder like involucre.
They are native to areas of Southern Europe,
Asia,
North America and
Central America.
Hophornbeam wood is very dense and
heavy, thus the other common name, Ironwood. The Greek word,
Ostrya, means
"bone like."