Ostrya carpinifolia – Hop Hornbeam

Ostrya carpinifolia, the Hop Hornbeam, is a deciduous tree native to southern Europe and southwestern Asia. Growing to a height of around 15 metres, the tree’s form is conical when young, then spreading to a rounded crown.  Male and female yellow-green catkins are produced in the spring on the same tree, with the drooping female catkins replaced by hop-like fruit, hence the name.  Green toothed leaves resembling hornbeam turn yellow in the autumn.  Thriving in most well-drained soil conditions, this tree will also cope with some shade.