Wood Species Guide
Hophornbeam
Ostrya virginiana
Also called: Eastern Hophornbeam, American Hophornbeam, Hop Hornbeam, Ironwood (shared name), Leverwood
About the name “Hophornbeam”
Hophornbeam is widely called ironwood, but that name is shared with American hornbeam, desert ironwood and many tropical woods. The hop-like clusters of seed pods and shaggy, strip-like bark set this tree apart.
What Hophornbeam looks like
Sapwood is nearly white to pale tan, and the heartwood is a light reddish brown. Boards are often mostly sapwood.
Grain and texture
Straight to slightly wavy grain with a fine, even texture.
Working Hophornbeam: planing, cutting and gluing
Very hard and stiff, so it dulls tools and resists splitting. It turns and sands to a smooth, polished surface. Dry it slowly to avoid checks and warp.
Finishing Hophornbeam: oil, film finishes and epoxy
Takes oil, wax and film finishes well and burnishes nicely on the lathe. The fine grain seals quickly under epoxy. Expect the pale wood to warm up a little over time.
Durability, stability and Florida humidity
Perishable outdoors and susceptible to insects. It is quite tough in use, which is why it was used for levers and tool handles. In Florida, keep it indoors and seal fresh log ends right away.
Shop notes from our Fort Myers shop
Hophornbeam is one of the hardest woods native to the eastern US, but the trees are small, so it is mostly a turning and handle wood. Mallets, chisel handles and spindles from it will outlast most of us. It grows in north Florida hardwood forests, and we sometimes hear of local logs. We don't stock it, but ask us and we can often source it.
Common uses for Hophornbeam
Tool handles, mallets, levers, fence posts, canes, turned objects and small hard-wearing parts.
Sustainability and CITES status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices. Rated Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Safety and toxicity
- Skin irritation
Few reports. Occasional skin irritation is the only reaction noted.
- In the shop
- Dust collection + mask when sanding
- Food contact
- Good choice for cutting boards, bowls and utensils
General information, not medical advice. See a doctor if you have a reaction.
Skin irritation has been reported occasionally, but serious reactions are rare. Use dust collection and a mask when sanding.
Hophornbeam in stock now
Ask us. We can often source it.
We don't have Hophornbeam listed online right now, but new slabs and lumber come in all the time and not everything makes it to the website. Tell us what you're building and we'll check our racks and suppliers.
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