Small tree to 6 m (20 ft) tall and 15 cm (6 in) diameter. Twigs slender, shiny dark brown with pointed light brown buds. Leaves alternate, ovate to elliptic, 5-13 cm (2-5 in) long and 3-5 cm (1.2-2 in) wide,glabrous above and hairy below, rounded at base, pointed at apex, doubly serrate, turning yellow in fall. Flowers catkins. Fruits conelike, 4-5 cm (1.6-2 in) long.
Distribution: Native to eastern half of United States.
Habitat: upland forests and well-drained bottomland forests.
NWI status: FACU
Comment: Ostrya is the old Greek name for the European ironwood; virginiana refers to the state of Virginia.
Distribution in Oklahoma: 
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Last update: 9/14/99
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