American Hophornbeam
Ostrya virginiana
American Hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Conditionally Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 25–40 ft tall and 20–30 ft wide, slow-growing, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade to dappled sun.
low to medium water25–40 ft tall and 20–30 ft wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
Photos
- Photo 1: no rights reserved
- Photo 2: no rights reserved
- Photo 3: (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–9
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade, dappled sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Tolerates
- Hellstrips / parking strips, Dry shade under conifers
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 25–40 ft tall and 20–30 ft wide
- Mature form
- Oval / upright
- Spacing / clearance
- ~30 ft of clearance
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Lifespan
- Medium
What it looks like, and when
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- moderate
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
Site factors to consider
- Watch: TransplantsIt resents being moved, so start with smaller stock, plant in spring, and get the spot right the first time.
Planting & establishment
Water deeply every 7–10 days through the first 2 summers. Winter water 1–2×/month October–March when soil is dry and unfrozen, winter desiccation is a top killer of newly-planted trees. Year 3: taper to 2×/month in summer, then rely on natural precipitation.
Frequently asked questions
- Is American Hophornbeam good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, American Hophornbeam is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Conditionally Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does American Hophornbeam get?
- It matures to about 25–40 ft tall and 20–30 ft wide.
- How much room does American Hophornbeam need?
- Give American Hophornbeam about 30 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does American Hophornbeam grow into?
- American Hophornbeam typically grows into an upright-oval crown, taller than it is wide. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is American Hophornbeam hardy on the Front Range?
- American Hophornbeam is hardy in USDA 3–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does American Hophornbeam need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- How fast does American Hophornbeam grow?
- American Hophornbeam is a slow-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does American Hophornbeam live?
- American Hophornbeam has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- Is American Hophornbeam native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is American Hophornbeam deer-resistant?
- American Hophornbeam is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
