Albania and Nth Greece. Broadly conical, deciduous. Large palmate compound leaves produce a dense shade. Large creamy white flowers, then prickly oval fruits, enclosing polished conkers prized by schoolboys in the UK. Best in fertile soils.

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.

Broadly spreading, deciduous. Grown for timber in Europe and widely used for hedging. Clips well. Light green in spring, golden copper in autumn and brown leaves retained all winter. Apply a heavy dressing of lime on clay soils. 1 year old - HEDGE spacing 40-60cm

Britain, Europe, Caucasus & Alborz Mts. (Iran). Broadly columnar, deciduous tree with stout greenish-grey shoots with jet black buds. Leaves with 7-13 coarsely serrate leaflets, late into leaf & early to fall. Flowers before the leaves, developing into bunches of 'keys'. Vigorous grower, best on deep moist to wet soils but tolerates much drier soils, enjoys limestone. Valuable light coloured hardwood timber for tool handles, sports goods, and joinery. Steams and bends well. Coppices readily, producing straight poles and rods. Great firewood, burns cut green.