Range
Native to south and south-eastern England and to much of central and eastern Europe.
Provenance Choice
No provenance trials have been undertaken in Britain so seed sources from good British stands or from the near continent should be preferred.
Site Requirements
This is a comparatively slow growing and shade tolerant species which is very cold hardy and frost resistant. It is not tolerant of exposure and is adapted to more continental climates of eastern and lowland Britain. Best growth is on soils of fresh to moist moisture status and of poor to rich nutrient status; it will grow on alkaline soils provided these are neither too shallow or too dry. It does not tolerate peaty soils or those of very poor nutrient status.
ECOLOGICAL SITE CLASSIFICATION TOOLPests and Pathogens
May occasionally suffer dieback as result of root infection by Phytophthora, and it is vulnerable to squirrel damage.
