Ostrya virginiana

Also known as Eastern Hophornbeam, Ironwood, Leverwood, Hardhack

American hophornbeams are understory hardwoods renowned for their remarkably dense wood and papery, hop-like seed clusters. Their thin brownish bark breaks into fine, narrow vertical scales that peel away cleanly at both ends like shreds of paper. Growing slowly beneath dense forest canopies, they provide vital winter buds and catkins for woodland birds and mammals.