Ironwood tree

Ironwood (Ostrya virginiana) also called hop hornbeam, is a shade-loving tree of small size with a slender trunk and sparse foliage. It is found throughout Iowa from dry slopes and ridges to moist slopes in the shade of other hardwoods. Hardiness: Zones 3 through 9 Ironwood Bark, Photo by Rebekah D. Wallace, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org Growth Rate: Slow to Moderate

Desert Ironwood in bloom

Just as the terms "softwood" and "hardwood" refer to a variety of types of wood, there is no single species that can lay claim to the designation "ironwood." Over 100 species of trees and shrubs could earn that designation, and each continent has more than one example. To qualify as ironwood, wood must rank high on the Janka hardness scale, and it must be dense enough to sink in water.

Photo of Parrotia persica foliage by Karl Gercens III

The Leopard tree grows up to 15m, forming a broad, flat-topped crown. The trunk is typically short, branching often close to the base.

Eastern Hop-hornbeam (Ostrya virginiana)

Having a small yard does not mean that you can't plant trees. Many trees grow no larger than 30 feet, and many shrubs can stand in for trees. Here is a list of small trees and tall shrubs for your landscaping.