The Temperate Database is in the process of being updated, with new records being added and old ones being checked and brought up to date where necessary. This record has not yet been checked and updated.

Common Name: Ironwood

General Information

Ostrya virginiana is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 15.00 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of materials.
Ostrya virginiana has a wide distribution, with large subpopulations in the USA and Canada. Although local deforestation is impacting cloud forest populations in Mexico and Central America, overall this species is still not approaching thresholds for it to be considered threatened. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2014)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Eastern N. America - Nova Scotia to Manitoba, Nebraska, Florida and Texas.

Habitat

An understorey tree in rich moist woods[, , ], it is also found on dry gravelly slopes and ridges, often in the shade of oaks and other large trees[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	15.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

An easily grown plant, succeeding in most soils[].Thrives in any good loam, including chalk[], it does not demand much light. Prefers a deep open loam.
A rather slow-growing tree[].
This tree is used in landscaping, particularly along boulevards, as it retains its coppery-tan leaves well into or through winter[].
This species has been labelled a 'weed tree' of no commercial value and is considered a competitor to more profitable species by commercial forest managers[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The bark is astringent, blood tonic and haemostatic[]. A decoction of the bark is used to bathe sore muscles[]. An infusion of the bark can be held in the mouth to relieve the pain of toothache[].

An infusion of the heartwood has been used in the treatment of lung haemorrhages, coughs and colds, catarrh and kidney problems[]. It is also used as a herbal steam bath in the treatment of rheumatism[].

Other Uses

The dark wood is close-grained, very hard, very strong, durable. It weighs 51lb per cubic foot. The wood is of a very high quality but the tree is not large enough to be used commercially. It is much sought after on a local level, where it is used for fence posts, mallets, tool handles, levels and applications where resistance to wear is essential[, , , , , , , , ].
The wood maks a very good fuel, though it is almost impossible to split[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame, it normally germinates in spring. The germination rate is variable but usually good[]. 'Green' seed, harvested when the embryo has fully formed but before the outer coat has dried, sown immediately in a cold frame germinates very well. Stored seed requires stratification, 3 months warm then 5 months cold usually works well but germination can take 18 months[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.