Sth Europe, SW Asia & Nth Africa. Broadly columnar, deciduous. Intolerant of clay soils - good drainage essential. Edible nuts are roasted and eaten hot. Valuable hardwood timber. Coppices well for poles, split posts or firewood.

Himalaya to Japan. Broadly spreading, deciduous. Attractive layered foliage on branches tending to droop, turning yellow, pink or purple in autumn and giving off a strong gingerbread scent. Must have moist soils.

Broadly spreading, deciduous. Attractive pin pea-like flowers in clusters along the old shoots, branches and trunk before, and as, the leaves emerge. Natural habitat in moist woods. Predominantly used for rootstock for budding 'Forest Pansy'

E. Mediterranean region. Broadly spreading, deciduous. Masses of mauve pea-like flowers in clusters along the old shoots, branches and trunk before the leaves emerge. Very impressive. Tolerates dry sites.