The European Hop Beech is a slow-growing tree suitable for small and medium-sized gardens. The gray-green trunk has irregular vertical grooves. This versatile tree has something to offer in several seasons: in March-April, the tree blooms with male birch-like catkins, followed by decorative fruits resembling the bells of hops (hence the name). After its double serrated green leaves, Ostrya carpinifolia turns a beautiful golden yellow to orange in fall.