A couple days ago I told you about a bit about the bark of Hop-hornbeam (Ostrya virginiana). When the tree is young its bark is red/brown with horizontal lenticels giving it the appearance of a Cherry Tree. As the tree matures the bark changes to a pale gray/brown and becomes quite shreddy with narrow strips.

The leaves of Hop-hornbeam are alternate, doubly serrated, and have prominent veins. The fruit resembles the fruit of Hops (Humulus lupulus) which are used in beer making, and that gives this small tree the first part of its common name. The tree grows to a height of 25-45′ and has an average life span of 50 to 150 years. As you’re out hiking be watching for it.