The hornbeam is a tree with a knobby trunk and an upright or drooping crown, depending on the variety. The light green leaves are deciduous and oval-shaped, measuring 4–10 cm. Flowering occurs simultaneously with leafing, featuring pendulous catkins of yellow flowers. It grows in fertile, well-drained, and cool soils and tolerates pruning well. It is used for medium to tall hedges, in gardens, and along small streets.