Ostrya carpinifolia, the European hop-hornbeam, is a tree in the family Betulaceae. It is the only species of the genus Ostrya that is native to Europe.
The specific epithet carpinifolia means "hornbeam-leaved", from , the Latin word for "hornbeam".
Common name The name hophornbeam is derived from hops, in reference to the shape of the tree's fruit, and the related hornbeam tree.
Description Ostrya carpinifolia is a broadleaf deciduous tree, that can reach up to . It has a conical or irregular crown and a scaly, rough bark, and alternate and double-toothed birch-like leaves 3–10 cm long. The leaves are many-veined with 11-15 pairs and have a slightly hairy or smooth underside.
The flowers are produced in spring, with male catkins long and female catkins long. The fruit form in pendulous clusters long with 6–20 seeds; each seed is a small nut long, fully enclosed in a bladder-like involucre.
Distribution and habitat
Ostrya carpinifolia is found in Lebanon, Italy, France, Austria, Slovenia, Albania, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Greece, Bulgaria, southern Switzerland and Turkey. It has been cultivated in England since before 1724.
In southern Italy and Sicily is found at medium elevations in the South Apennine mixed montane forests ecoregion.
Uses The wood is very heavy and hard, and was historically used to fashion plane soles. Other uses have included in the manufacture of wooden cogs and gears.
Ostrya are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species.
References
External links
Scheda botanica: Ostrya carpinifolia Ostrya carpinifolia - information, genetic conservation units and related resources. European Forest Genetic Resources Programme (EUFORGEN)