If there was ever a case to use scientific names, these species are the poster child. I’m not a scientific name guy, if scientific names interest you - they are just a click away. Local common names have confused many on these two species. I am a member of many sportsman’s groups and tree I.D. questions often come up regarding these species. In fact, adding to the confusion, both species are called ironwood. I write this to remove confusion for the folks that may not have a deep understanding of tree species on their property. I actually contacted the MSU Extension this year to inform them that that they had confused the two species in an educational document, my contact mentioned in 20 years no one had mentioned it.

Both species belong to the birch family and are native. Not readily utilized by deer, but bird species, squirrels, and rabbits readily eat the nutlet. Witch Hazel and Hazelnut also belong to the birch family. This helps to explain why my American Hazelnut plantings are not browsed heavily by deer. Both species make great firewood.

American Hophornbeam is a small understory tree that can exhibit invasive characteristics but is a native. It is readily identified by the light scaly bark. These trees often utilize the last bit of filtered light in the understory, but they prefer full sun. This species really prevents light from hitting the forest floor. Usually the trees are in a small 2-3-inch diameter class, but I have seen up to 8-inch specimens. Hophornbeam does not hinge cut easily, I prefer to cut clear through the stem and v-notch the stump to lay the tree in the notch at waist or chest height.

Common names: Eastern hophornbeam, Ironwood, Leverwood

American Hornbeam is also an understory tree/shrub that commonly is multi-stemmed. Hornbeam is characterized by smooth gray bark that has a muscular appearance.

Common names: blue beech, ironwood, musclewood