Ostrya carpinifolia aka European Hop Hornbeam

Ostrya carpinifolia is a deciduous tree called European hop hornbeam. It belongs to the birch family, Betulaceae. Its native range spans southern and south-central Europe into western Asia. This includes the Caucasus and Lebanon. It grows in broadleaf woods, scrub, and open pine woods. In Turkey, it also grows on dry, stony limestone hills. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

Garden trees reach about 40–50 feet (12.2–15.2 metres) tall. Some reach 70 feet (21.3 metres), though this is less frequent. Their spread can reach about 40 feet (12.2 metres). Young trees have an upright, cone-shaped crown. Side branches spread as the tree ages, forming a rounded crown. The glossy, oval leaves grow alternately along the stems. They have deep veins, pointed tips, and rounded bases. Their edges have two sizes of teeth. Dark green leaves turn yellow before falling in autumn.

Yellow-green catkins appear in spring, but the flowers draw little notice. Missouri Botanical Garden gives April as the bloom month. Chicago Botanic Garden records May to June. Male catkins are longer than the female ones. The female catkins form hanging seed clusters by late summer. These clusters look like hops and hold small nutlets. Missouri Botanical Garden gives six to twenty nutlets per cluster. The fruit adds more visual interest than the flowers.

Grow this tree in fertile soil that drains well. Missouri Botanical Garden favours moist, humus-rich soil with an acid pH. RHS reports tolerance of sand, loam, clay, and chalk. It also accepts acid, neutral, or alkaline soil. Full sun suits it, though it tolerates some shade. Shade can reduce both bloom and autumn colour. Shelter it from strong winds and avoid polluted sites. Missouri Botanical Garden reports that it does not tolerate drought. That source lists USDA zones 5–9; Chicago lists 4–8. RHS rates it H6. Trees may take 20–50 years to reach full size.

Use it as a shade tree or a lawn specimen. It also suits patios and open woodland gardens. It needs little pruning and resists deer and rabbits. Leaf spot and twig blight can occur. RHS also lists bark beetles, chestnut blight, and fungal canker. Its tough, hard wood serves carpentry and charcoal making. It can host white truffles. Plants For A Future lists no known food or medicinal uses. That source reports no known hazards, rather than proven safety.