Hop Hornbeam (Ostrya virginiana)
Hop Hornbeam, aka Ironwood, is the host plant to the Mourning Cloak, Polyphemus, Luna Moth, and 83 other species of butterflies and moths in our area (nwf.org). The flowers are wind-pollinated, persistent catkins that resemble hop vine fruit. Some birds use Hop Hornbeam as a food source including the Ruffed Grouse (buds, catkins), Downy Woodpecker (seeds), and Purple Finch (seeds) (illinoiswildflower.info).
Photo credit: Doug McGrady (1), John Blair (2)
Hop Hornbeam, aka Ironwood, is the host plant to the Mourning Cloak, Polyphemus, Luna Moth, and 83 other species of butterflies and moths in our area (nwf.org). The flowers are wind-pollinated, persistent catkins that resemble hop vine fruit. Some birds use Hop Hornbeam as a food source including the Ruffed Grouse (buds, catkins), Downy Woodpecker (seeds), and Purple Finch (seeds) (illinoiswildflower.info).
Photo credit: Doug McGrady (1), John Blair (2)
Hop Hornbeam, aka Ironwood, is the host plant to the Mourning Cloak, Polyphemus, Luna Moth, and 83 other species of butterflies and moths in our area (nwf.org). The flowers are wind-pollinated, persistent catkins that resemble hop vine fruit. Some birds use Hop Hornbeam as a food source including the Ruffed Grouse (buds, catkins), Downy Woodpecker (seeds), and Purple Finch (seeds) (illinoiswildflower.info).
Photo credit: Doug McGrady (1), John Blair (2)
Life Cycle: Perennial
Sun Exposure: Full, Light Shade
Soil Moisture: Medium-wet, Medium-dry, Dry
Height: 25 to 50 feet
Plant Spacing: 20-30 feet
Bloom Time: April-May
Bloom Color: Yellowish
Advantages: Caterpillar Favorite, Deer Resistant
Host: Mourning Cloak, Polyphemus, Luna Moth, and 83 other species of butterflies and moths use this as a caterpillar host plant in our area (nwf.org)
