The alternate, elliptical to ovate, doubly serrated leaves of American Hophornbeam have an acuminate apex and short petioles, and resemble those of the genus Carpinus (Hornbeam). The puffy fruit pods (involucres) of Ostrya resemble Hops, the crop used in making beer. The foliar and fruit traits of Ostrya virginiana, along with its native habitat of Eastern North America, combine to give this tree its common name.