Hophornbeam is a small understory tree of eastern upland forests with hop-like clusters of papery seed husks that rattle in winter. Its wood is the hardest of any North American broadleaf tree, earning it the nickname 'ironwood.' The seeds are eaten by ruffed grouse, pheasants, and small mammals, and its catkins provide spring food for grouse.
Best time to see a Hophornbeam
The best time to see a Hophornbeam is March–July, when about 60% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 16,624 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
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