Very nice and very rare. It is quite similar to European hornbeam, but somewhat more delicate in branching. At maturity, it fruits with pendent papery pods similar to hops. Small leaf similar to a zelkova, but darker green and more finely serrated along the margin. Delicate, abundant white flowers followed by small black cherries at a young age.
Leaves are nicely veined and light green.
Good branch structure and attractive smooth bark. Builds trunk diameter at ground-line rapidly. Vigorous grower - needs lots of attention to keep under control. It can be easily kept as a dense, compact plant. This tree eventually has peeling, blotchy orange and green bark.