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Eastern hophornbeam (ironwood) identification: leaves, bark, fruit and twigs
Eastern hophornbeam, Ostrya virginiana, is a native tree in Pennsylvania. How to recognize it by its leaves, bark, fruit and twigs, and how to tell it from look-alikes.
Alternate, simple leaves with toothed edges. Oval leaves 3 to 5 inches long with double teeth, fuzzy in the vein angles underneath. Bark: Smooth and reddish brown with sideways lines when young, later light brown and shreddy in small strips. Checked Nov. 14, 2026.
How to identify eastern hophornbeam
| Leaf type | Alternate, simple leaves with toothed edges |
|---|---|
| Leaves | Oval leaves 3 to 5 inches long with double teeth, fuzzy in the vein angles underneath. |
| Bark | Smooth and reddish brown with sideways lines when young, later light brown and shreddy in small strips. |
| Fruit | Clusters of papery, inflated sacs that look like hops, each holding a 1/4-inch nutlet. |
| Twigs | Slender reddish brown twigs, often with small male catkins at the tips in winter. |
| Size and shape | Small tree up to about 40 feet with a round crown of fine branches. |
From the Virginia Tech Dendrology fact sheet, in our own words.
Is eastern hophornbeam native to Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) lists eastern hophornbeam as native to Pennsylvania.
See all 140 trees, with a 4-question identifier, in our Pennsylvania tree identification guide.
Trees that look like eastern hophornbeam
| Tree | Its leaves |
|---|---|
| American hornbeam Carpinus caroliniana | Alternate, simple leaves with toothed edges. Smooth, oval leaves 3 to 5 inches long with a long pointed tip and double teeth. |
| Black birch Betula lenta | Alternate, simple leaves with toothed edges. Glossy dark green, sharply toothed oval leaves 2 to 4 inches long with a pointed tip and a slightly heart-shaped base. |
| Yellow birch Betula alleghaniensis | Alternate, simple leaves with toothed edges. Oval leaves 4 to 6 inches long with double-toothed edges. |
Compare the leaves first, then the bark, fruit and twigs on each tree’s page.
Questions
How do you identify eastern hophornbeam?
Look for alternate, simple leaves with toothed edges. Oval leaves 3 to 5 inches long with double teeth, fuzzy in the vein angles underneath. Bark: Smooth and reddish brown with sideways lines when young, later light brown and shreddy in small strips.
Is eastern hophornbeam native to Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) lists eastern hophornbeam as native to Pennsylvania.
How big does eastern hophornbeam get?
Small tree up to about 40 feet with a round crown of fine branches.
How can you tell eastern hophornbeam in winter?
Check the twigs and bark. Twigs: Slender reddish brown twigs, often with small male catkins at the tips in winter. Bark: Smooth and reddish brown with sideways lines when young, later light brown and shreddy in small strips.
What tree looks like eastern hophornbeam?
American hornbeam, Black birch, Yellow birch. Compare the leaves first.
Sources: Virginia Tech Dendrology (Ostrya virginiana fact sheet); Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program, PA Vascular Plant List (native or introduced status). Checked Nov. 14, 2026.
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