American Hop Hornbeam

Other names

Leverwood, Hop Hornbeam

Growth habit

Tree

Native distribution

Native to the Finger Lakes Region, Eastern N. America

Cultivation

Dry to moist, but not wet. Adaptable to different soil types, but prefers calcareous soils.

Propagation

Store seeds dry. Cold-moist stratify for 60-90 days. Germinate at 70 degrees.

Biocultural value

The bark combined with other plants, can be brewed into a strong tea which is given as an expectorant to help relieve coughs. Wood chips were soaked in hot water that has been applied topically to relieve inflammation on swollen areas.

Location

Mundy Wildflower Garden, Urban Tree Collection, Bioswale Garden, Treman Woodland Walk, Coy Glen, Edwards Lake Cliffs Preserve, Fischer Old-growth Forest, McDaniel Meadow, Woods, and Swamp, McLean Bogs, Eames Bog, Purvis Road Wetlands Natural Area, Ringwood Ponds, South Hill Swamp

Source of plant

Klyn Nurseries, Plant Collections Consortium, KY , Schichtel's Nursery, Princeton Nurseries, Bailey Nurseries, Woodlanders Inc., Lawson Wholesale Nursery, Lake County Nursery Inc., Edgewood Nursery, Arborvillage Farm Nursery, Ruth Nix

Description

Very graceful small tree with many horizontal or drooping branches usually forming a rounded outline,somewhat pyramidal in youth. Fall color yellow, seldom effective, and falling early. 25-40' in height and2/3's to equal that in spread; can reach 60' but this is seldom attained.

USDA Hardiness Zone

3

Status

L4|S5|G5