Ostrya Virginiana Characteristics and Potentials of a Little Known Native

Ostrya virginiana (Mill.) K. Koch is a useful and durable native tree that is infrequently planted. The literature contains little reliable information about the species. General characteristics of Ostrya are discussed and available information is presented on growth rate, pest problems, soil and moisture requirements, root system characteristics, propagation and nursery practices, and transplanting techniques. The need for more accurate information on these topics is repeatedly expressed. Of the native trees of Eastern North America, Ostrya virginiana (Mill.) K. Koch is overlooked as an ornamental and specimen tree. This is due orimari1.v to the lack of knowledge of the species and the subtlety of its ornamental character versatility and elegance of stics. The-real beauty of Ostrya lies in its form and texture. Ostrya is found nearly States. It is primarily an tolerant of our smaller for everywhere in the eastern half of the United understory tree and is one of the most shade st trees. However, it also grows well in the open (Green 1934, Dirr 1978, Hamilton 1974) and it is there that Ostrya develops its most desirable branching structure and form. Ostrya has a "distinctly irregular" (Kammerer 1953) form ranging from conical (Hightshoe 1978) to oval, to irregularly rounded (Dirr 1978). The form of this species varies from tree to tree as well as with age in a single tree. Estimates of mature height mature height is reported to be being the most common estimate. seem to vary. Depending on the author, anywhere from 25 to 60 feet with 35 feet Open grown and cultivated trees will be somewhat shorter at 25 to 30 feet (Chapin 1975). Mature spread ot Ostrya is almost universally reported as being 2/3's or equal to height. Ostrya's texture is one of its greatest assets. The slender and