The foliage of this tree is somewhat pleated and sharply toothed similar to that of the Common Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus). In the spring it produces yellow-green catkins followed by the fruits in pendent clusters surrounded creamy white bracts (resembling hops in this species from whence it gets its English name).

Usually encountered as a planted tree in parks and other public spaces.

Flowering (catkins) in spring.

Deciduous.

Little recorded in Britain.

Rare or under recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland. It was not recorded in the 1979 Flora survey of Leicestershire.