American Hop Hornbeam is a very slow-growing (less than 1 foot per year) small to medium-sized deciduous tree. It is an understory tree with a generally rounded crown

American Hop Hornbeam is typically found in dry, rocky forests and sloped areas scattered among uplands. American Hop Hornbeam succeeds in most soils but thrives in loam. It prefers a partial shade or shade.

American Hop Hornbeam is monoecious, having separate male and female flowers on the same tree. The catkins are found in groups of three. Male catkins appear as red-brown dropping catkins formed the previous summer (2nd year wood) and are present throughout winter; the female catkins appear in April on the previous years’ growth.

American Hop Hornbeam derives its name from its hard wood and hop-like fruits. Its wood is strong, hard, and durable; it is often used to make fence posts, fuel, and tool handles. Native Americans used the inner wood to treat toothache, sore muscles, and coughs.