Origin Southeastern Europe. Upright tree with a wide crown, up to 30m high. Short, heavy trunk that often turns around its own axis, causing the bark fissures as well turn around the trunk. Shiny, bright green, long leaves, 10-20 cm. Flowers in June with large bundles of upright, cream-white colored catkins. Fruits are edible. Prickly husk with 2-3 sweet chestnuts. Requests an open and above all airy, nutritious soil, which is not wet, but well 'desireable'. Endures shade, but flowers better in a sunny, warm position. Beautiful park tree