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 to 40 ft tall and 20 to 30 ft wide, slow-growing, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade to dappled sun.
low to medium water25 to 40 ft tall and 20 to 30 ft wideXeric / water-wise
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 to 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 to 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 to 40 ft tall and 20 to 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
- Not rated
- Colorado native
- No
Also worth knowing
- Fire rating
- Not rated
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 to 10 days through the first 2 summers. Winter water 1 to 2×/month October to 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 to 40 ft tall and 20 to 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 to 9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 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.
