A tree originally from south-eastern Europe, first introduced to Britain by the Romans and now naturalised in southern England. It can grow to 30m and has large pinnate leaves usually with seven leaflets (but between five and thirteen). The edible nuts need a hot summer to ripen in the UK – but this may become more normal with climate change. The wood is valued for furniture making. The leaves and the husks stain black; they were used to make hair dyes in the past.
