Japanese Hop-hornbeam

Japanese hop-hornbeam (Ostrya japonica) is an East Asian tree in the birch family, Betulaceae. [Trees and Shrubs Online](https://www.treesandshrubsonline.org/articles/ostrya/ostrya-japonica/) records it from China, Japan, and Korea, with forest habitat, a height up to 20 meters, and a USDA Hardiness Zone 5 rating. The species has serrated leaves and short, hop-like fruiting catkins. ### Form and placement The bark develops long, narrow scales as the tree matures, and the source describes its form as shapely. Allow substantial space for its mature size and use it where a large tree can develop without crowding nearby buildings or paths. The source documents established trees in collections, including examples over 11 meters tall. ## Maintenance Preserve the tree’s natural canopy and remove dead or crossing branches when needed. Avoid severe pruning that would disrupt its form. Its published USDA zone rating is a useful reference, while local exposure and growing conditions still shape how a tree performs.