American Hophornbeam (ostrya virginiana)

This tree can be found along the Hogback mountin trail in the Frye Mountain state game management area. Ostrya virginiana is a small tree that can grow up to 20-30 feet in height and 6-10 inches in diameter. The bark is grey and separates into narrow vertical scales. Leaves are 2-3 inches long, sharply toothed and alternately arranged. Twigs are ligth brown, wirey and have a light green pith. It grows best in dry gravelly soils and can often be found in the shade or undergrowth of other species. I chose to include this tree due to it's unique bark pattern.