American Hop Hornbeam
Growth Habit
TreeBiocultural Value
A number of Native American groups used preparations of American hop hornbeam bark and wood as a toothache remedy, bath for sore muscles, and cough medicine. The wood was used to make bows, utensil handles, and frames for dwellings.
Wildlife Value
The foliage hosts many caterpillars, including those of two specialist moth species: the ironwood tubemaker (Acrobasis sylviella) and the ironwood leafminer (Stilbosis ostraeella). Many other insects feed on the tree, including a leaf beetle (Calligrapha ostryae), wood-boring larvae of long-horned beetles (Astylopsis macula, Hyperplatys maculata), larvae of metallic wood-boring beetles (Acmaeodera tubulus, Agrilus champlaini), plant bugs (including Lygocoris ostryae), an aphid (Macrosiphum pseudocoryli), and leafhoppers (Eratoneura spp.). Birds and small mammals eat the catkins, buds, and seeds.
Location
Edwards Lake Cliffs Preserve, Fall Creek Gorge, Fischer Old-growth Forest, McDaniel Meadow, Woods, and Swamp, Purvis Road Wetlands Natural Area, Polson Preserve, Ringwood Ponds, Steep Hollow Creek, Mundy Wildflower GardenCultivation
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.
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
