A large, vigorously growing deciduous tree with a compact conical head and dark green, coarsely toothed leaves that sometimes turn yellow in the autumn. The male flowers are borne in small, pale yellow pendulous catkins in the late winter, while the nuts, which ripen as the leaves are falling, are surrounded by a husk that is deeply divided into numerous slender, rigid lobes.

Soil: Chalk or clay.

Aspect: Full sun or part shade.

Suitable Locations: Cold, exposed sites, avenues, parkland.