A small to medium-sized tree with a long live span. Very sturdy form with extremely hard, dense wood, hence the name ironwood. Being structural sound means it has slow growth rate. Typically found growing in the understory of a mixed deciduous woodland. Very tolerant of shade and, although it's capable of growing in full sun, it prefers at least part shade conditions. A key feature is it's brownish grey bark that naturally peels back in vertical stripes. Has oval, lance-shaped leaves with attractive, serrated edges.

Sometimes referred to as eastern hop hornbeam

Height : 25-40 feet Spread : 15-30 feet

Light : Full sun to shade Water : Medium to moist

Soil : Loam, clay Zone : 3-9

Growth Rate : Slow