ironwood/eastern hop-hornbeam

Ironwood is one of only 8 species in the genus Ostrya and is the only one in the genus that is native to Canada. It is considered a small tree, but has the densest Canadian wood. It is found mainly in the eastern part of Canada. Because of its density and strength ironwood is often used for tool handles. Because of its small size ironwood is not usually used for much else. Though small, the nuts of ironwood are eaten by deer, rabbits and pheasants.