It is "closely related"[1] to, but differs from the similar common European hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) in a number of characters.

In this respect, C. austrobalcanica is more similar to European hophornbeam (Ostrya carpinifolia).

Additionally, the buds are obovate, while those of common hornbeam have a pointed shape.

The Inflorescences of C. austrobalcanica are very elongated, up to 25 cm, interrupted, and usually clearly longer than the supporting leaf, those of common hornbeam are dense, up to 15 cm, rarely clearly interrupted, and usually only slightly longer than the supporting leaf.

Here it occurs at altitudes ranging from 850 to 1500m in mixed to almost monodominant stands, in xero-thermophilous communities along with oaks (Quercus petraea, Q. pubescens, Q. trojana), other Coryloidae (Carpinus orientalis, Ostrya carpinifolia), maples (Acer monspessulanum, A. pseudoplatanus), rosaceous species (Aria graeca, Prunus mahaleb), broad-leaved lime (Tilia platyphyllos), cade juniper (Juniperus oxycedrus), Judas tree (Cercis siliquastrum) and tanner's sumach (Rhus coriaria), on calcareous soils.