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Ironwood tree. Anne Holmes, artist<\/p><\/div>\n
Ostrya virginiana,<\/em> commonly called ironwood, is a tough, under-story tree with beautiful birch-like leaves; showy, grayish-brown, shaggy bark that provides winter interest; fine-textured drooping branches and attractive hop-like fruits. This 20\u2019 to 40\u2019 slender deciduous tree is in the Betulaceae<\/em> (birch) family.<\/p>\n It prefers partial shade with direct sun two to six hours a day. The wood is strong, hard and durable. It was once used for sleigh runners, fence posts, tool handles and fuel. The inner wood was used by Native Americans to treat toothaches, sore muscles and coughs.<\/p>\n Ironwood is moderately resistant to deer damage and fire, but sensitive to soil compaction. It is the host plant for the red-spotted and Eastern tiger swallowtail butterflies. Its nut-like fruit is eaten by songbirds, wild turkeys, quail and small mammals. It has no serious insect or disease problems.<\/p>\n Native Seed Collecting Workshop with Sarah Coury<\/strong>Upcoming Events
\n<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nSaturday, October 21, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.<\/strong>
\nCollecting seed and propagating your own native plants is an adventurous and economical way to make your garden grow. This hands-on workshop covers proper techniques for seed collection, storage and propagation. Each student will leave with their own cache of native seeds collected from the Gardens. This will be an indoor and outdoor class.
\nSarah Coury is the garden manager and co-owner of Saturnia Farm in Weaverville, which specializes in holistic production of perennials and native plants.<\/p>\n