Ironwood is a small slow-growing deciduous native tree with a rounded crown.  The serrated birch-like leaves are dark yellowish-green which turn an undistinguished yellow in fall and drop off early.  Flowers are not showy though they can persist to winter, the female flowers are followed by drooping clusters of seed-pods that resemble hops.  Best grown in part sun and well-drained soils.  

MAINTENANCE NEEDS: Low Maintenance. Intolerant of salt and heavy air pollution.

LANDSCAPE USES:  Accents or Group Plantings, Borders, Woodland Gardens, Naturalized Areas, Native Gardens, and Shade Tree.

COMPANION PLANTS: Witch Hazel, Oak, Japanese Maple

Image: Photo by David J. Stang, Ostrya virginiana 11zz, CC BY-SA 4.0