Eastern Hophornbeam is a charming native tree, botanically called Ostrya virginiana, that adds a refined touch to any landscape. Its medium-green leaves have a slight shimmer in the summer sun, then transition to gentle yellows come fall. This slow-growing species typically matures around 20 to 35 feet in height, creating an appealing understory accent or small shade option without overwhelming a garden. The bark’s scaly texture offers extra visual interest in winter, making this tree notable year-round.
Eastern Hophornbeam stands out for its ability to adapt, from clay to rocky soil and everything in between. Native to Eastern North America, it tolerates moderate drought once established and manages in partial to deep shade. Wildlife benefits from its twigs and seeds, helping local ecosystems thrive. You can plant it as a small feature tree in a lawn, arrange multiples along a boundary for a rugged yet orderly hedge, or simply let it blend gracefully into a woodland-themed border. Although generally disease-free, it occasionally sees browsing by rabbits or deer, but stands up well to everyday pests and typical garden conditions.
Eastern Hophornbeam Care
Amend the planting area with organic matter if the soil is overly dense or poor in nutrients. Maintain consistent moisture during the first few growing seasons, and provide partial sun if possible, though it can accept deeper shade. Neutral to slightly acidic soils work best, but the tree is tolerant of varied pH levels. Light fertilization in early spring can boost growth, but frequent feeding is usually unnecessary. With minimal intervention, Eastern Hophornbeam gradually settles into its spot, rewarding you with dependable foliage and understated beauty.
Pruning needs are minimal. Remove any crossing or damaged branches in late winter to enhance form and airflow. Occasional thinning in denser canopies allows sunlight to reach the interior leaves, promoting a healthier structure. Consider light shaping if you wish to maintain a more tailored silhouette or limit height, but more extensive cuts are rarely needed. Winter is the preferred season for pruning, reducing sap flow and stress on the tree.
Eastern Hophornbeam Spacing
For a row or screening effect, allow about 25-30 feet between trunks, which promotes proper airflow and attractive side branching. If you prefer a tight grouping, spacing can be slightly reduced, but 20 feet is the minimum for mature development. Select a large container at least 18 inches in diameter, although in-ground planting encourages the best long-term results.
- SKU:
- 1231013900-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
4.5" Pot
Also Known As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped, just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note, plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.
For more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty, whether you're a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.
The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.
For more information, please click on our page below.
Plant Shipping
Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.
Winter to Early Spring
We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.
Summer
If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.
Fall into Winter
We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!
Winter
Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.
Click here for more detailed shipping information.
Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations