About
Ostrya carpinifolia, the hop hornbeam, is a deciduous tree to around 15 m, conical when young and later spreading to rounded, with glossy, oval, deeply veined green leaves with doubly serrated edges. Yellow-green, pendant catkins open in spring, and the female catkins develop into hanging, hop-like seed clusters in late summer. Leaves turn yellow in autumn. A beautiful and underused specimen tree for a sunny position.
About the genus
Ostrya, the hop hornbeams, are deciduous trees with oval, doubly toothed leaves, pendant catkins in spring and ornamental, hop-like seed clusters in summer. Excellent specimen and woodland trees for sunny positions.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitColumnar upright, Spreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural
Native toS Europe, W Asia
Care notes
CultivationThrives in fertile, well-drained soil, though will tolerate most soil types. Prefers full sun in cooler areas, can benefit from partial shade in hot summers but flowering and autumn colour are reduced. Protect from strong winds. Can be a host tree for white truffle (Tuber magnatum)
PruningMinimal pruning required, see pruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed or by hardwood cuttings. Seed requires stratification to germinate
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to European oak bark beetle
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to chestnut blight and a fungal canker