Today’s second matchup in March Species Matchup is another Battle of the Plants, pitting the Hop-Hornbeam (Ostrya virginiana) against the Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum).
The hop-hornbeam is a small, modest tree, growing up to 12 metres high and 25 centimetres in diameter. It features a shaggy, scaly bark, thin translucent leaves, and long “catkins” or flowers that dangle from the branches. This relative to the birch bears fruit clusters that resemble hops, which is the basis for the name. The fruit cluster contains a small, almond-shaped seed that is food for birds and small woodland animals. The hop-hornbeam is also known as an “ironwood”, given the wood’s toughness and resistance to wear and tear. Learn more hop-hornbeam facts at the University of Kentucky’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.
The mayapple may be better known as the mayflower or even the mandrake. This perennial herbaceous plant grows up to 45 centimetres tall and features dark green, umbrella-like leaves, nearly a foot across. It produces a cup-shaped flower featuring six to nine white petals between April and June and an edible yellow berry that is sometimes used in jams and beverages. Just be warned that the unripened fruit is toxic! The rest of the plant is also toxic, but has medicinal uses, producing podophyllotoxin for certain prescription drugs. You can learn more about this interesting plant at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s horticulture page.
So, who goes forward, and who stays rooted to the spot? Only you can answer that question with your vote, so vote today!