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Family: Betulaceae
Mid-Atlantic bloom time: March - April
American Hornbeam is most easily recognized by its muscular looking trunk (hence the nickname "Musclewood").
Unfortunately, the common names "American Hornbeam" and "Ironwood" are confusingly similar to those of the somewhat related American Hophornbeam, Ostrya virginiana, which is also called Ironwood. The wood from both species is strong, heavy, hard and close-graned, which made it ideal for tool handles and levers (and earning it the name "Ironwood").
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20 June 2014
Manassas National Battlefield Park, Manassas, VA 
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14 June 2014
Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve, Landmark, VA 
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20 June 2014
Manassas National Battlefield Park, Manassas, VA 
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20 June 2014
Manassas National Battlefield Park, Manassas, VA 
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25 June 2014
Scott's Run Nature Preserve, McLean, VA 
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14 June 2014
Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve, Landmark, VA 
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