Eastern hophornbeam
Ostrya virginiana
Family: Betulaceae
Natural History
Leaves and hops-like fruits of Eastern hophornbeam | Photo credit: Niels Proctor, University of Florida
Eastern hophornbeam is a small tree that inhabits hardwood forests across the eastern United States, from northern Florida to southeastern Canada.
The common name comes from the fruits that form papery clusters, resembling the hops used in brewing beer.