Chinese lantern Hornbeam. Male and female catkins are produced at the same time in spring and once fertilised the female flowers turn into hop like clusters resembling Chinese Lanterns full of winged seeds. A rare, slow growing, broad headed tree with a height and spread to around 8m x 3-4m. New leaves emerge red before maturing green and turn yellow in autumn. Leaves are toothed and distinctly veined. A handsome rare tree. Recommended.