The fruits of this tree hang in clusters, similar in appearance to those of the unrelated hedgerow-climbing Hop (Humulus lupulus), which is used in beer-making. Introduced to Britain c.1724.

Native to southern Europe, including France, Italy and Greece, and eastwards to Turkey and Albania. Not widely naturalised in Britain; usually an occasional specimen tree.

Monoecious. Wind-pollinated. Wind- and gravity-dispersed.

Medium (24m), generally very like Common Hornbeam. Bark brown-grey, becoming scaly and rough. Buds plump, not pressed tightly to the twigs. Leaves ovate or oblong, with 12-15 sometimes-branching vein pairs, serrate or double-serrate. Male catkins pendulous, exposed through winter before opening; female flowers in a hop-like cluster, white-green to brown, with stinging hairs below each bract. Common Hornbeam differs: smooth grey 'musclewood' bark, fewer leaf veins.

Suited to well-drained or rocky soils. Intolerant of urban pollution. Prefers full sun, but in hot regions tolerates partial shade.

No notable associations where introduced.

Generally a healthy species. Even deer do not browse.

An attractive ornamental species. Where endemic, coppiced for firewood.