Japanese hop-hornbeam
Quick Summary
The Japanese hop-hornbeam (Ostrya japonica) is a deciduous ornamental tree belonging to the birch family (Betulaceae). It is native to Eurasia and closely related to hornbeams (Carpinus). The tree's common name comes from its fruit clusters, which resemble hops.1
Japanese hop-hornbeams can grow up to 21 meters (70 feet) tall. They feature shaggy, scaling bark and thin, translucent green leaves with hairy leafstalks. Both male and female flowers are present on the same plant, appearing in pendulous catkins. The fruit clusters consist of numerous bladder-like scales, each enclosing a small, flat nut.1
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
