Tree native to Europe and Asia with an initially conical, then rounded crown. The trunk is initially smooth and becomes rough with age. Deciduous dark green leaves with a bluish underside, turning amber yellow in autumn, round, 5 cm long, with wavy edges. Blooms in March with male and female clusters depending on the plant; the females produce white seeds in May and the tree produces large amounts of pollen. Grows also in sandy, dry soils but prefers rich ones. Used to prevent soil erosion and to block the wind.