Ostrya carpinifolia

European hop-hornbeam
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Embryophytes
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Fagales
Family: Betulaceae
Genus: Ostrya
Species:
O. carpinifolia
Binomial name
Ostrya carpinifolia
Native range
Synonyms
  • Carpinus italica Scop. ex Steud., pro syn.
  • Carpinus ostrya L.
  • Ostrya carpinifolia var. genuina Fliche, not validly publ.
  • Ostrya italica P.Micheli ex Spach, nom. illeg. superfl.
  • Ostrya italica subsp. carpinifolia (Scop.) H.J.P.Winkl., nom. illeg. homonym. post.
  • Ostrya ladelcii Sanguin.
  • Ostrya virginiana subsp. carpinifolia (Scop.) Briq.
  • Ostrya vulgaris Willd., nom. illeg. superfl.

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 carpinus, 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 21 metres (69 ft).[2] 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.[3]

The flowers are produced in spring, with male catkins 5–10 cm (2–4 in) long and female catkins 2–5 cm (3⁄4–2 in) long. The fruit form in pendulous clusters 3–8 cm (1+1⁄4–3+1⁄4 in) long with 6–20 seeds; each seed is a small nut 2–4 mm (1⁄16–3⁄16 in) long, fully enclosed in a bladder-like involucre.

Distribution and habitat

Fruits of Ostrya carpinifolia – MHNT

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.[3]

In southern Italy and Sicily is found at medium elevations in the South Apennine mixed montane forests ecoregion.

The wood of Ostrya carpinifolia

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.[3]

Ostrya are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species.

References

  1. ↑ Shaw, K.; Roy , S.; Wilson, B. (2014). "Ostrya carpinifolia". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2014 e.T194280A2309186. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2014-3.RLTS.T194280A2309186.en. Retrieved 15 August 2026.
  2. ↑ "hop-hornbeam". Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
  3. 1 2 3 Větvička, Václav. Lawrence, Eleanor (ed.). The Illustrated Book of Trees & Shrubs. Translated by Kuthan, Ivan; Kuthanová, Vlasta. Illustrated by Mašek, Jan. Octopus Books. p. 143. ISBN 0706420853.
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