Ironwoods grow in moist, fertile soils or in sandy soils, preferring well-drained slopes and ridges.
This species is a typical understory tree preferring shade, but also grows well in full sun, often invading uncultivated areas bordering woods. Although a variety of diseases occasionally attack this tree diseases and pests are seldom problematic. The ironwood is native to southern Canada and eastern, midwestern and south-eastern US, extending into northern Mexico. It is native throughout Iowa and is probably the most common woodland tree in the state.