Hophornbeam is a fairly common understory tree, similar to the related American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana) but with rough bark and hop-like fruiting clusters.

Jones Co., NC 7/18/2008.

Hophornbeam is especially common in rocky woods and in areas with basic bedrock.

Granville Co., NC 5/16/09.

Granville Co., NC 5/16/09.

The leaves are similar in shape to the smooth leaves of American Hornbeam, but are hairy. Another common confustion species is American Hazelnut (Corylus americana).

Jones Co., NC 7/18/2008.

Leaf undersides.

Jones Co., NC 7/18/2008.

Female flowers apear in May.

Granville Co., NC 5/16/09.

Granville Co., NC 5/16/09.

The hop-like fruiting clusters are papery and mostly filled with air.

Durham Co., NC 4/1/07.

Male flower clusters (catkins) appear in early spring.

Person Co., NC 4/1/06.

Person Co., NC 4/1/06.

Witches'-brooms, growths of dense clusters of branchlets caused by various pathogens, are very common on Hophornbeam.

The shreddy bark is quite unlike the smooth, muscular bark of American Hornbeam.

Bark of a small tree.

Person Co., NC 4/1/06.

Bark of a large tree.

Durham Co., NC 6/27/2009.