An easily grown plant, succeeding in most soils.Thrives in any good loam, including chalk, it does not demand much light. Prefers a deep open loam. A rather slow-growing tree. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.

None known

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame, it normally germinates in spring. The germination rate is variable but usually good. 'Green' seed, harvested when the embryo has fully formed but before the outer coat has dried, sown immediately in a cold frame germinates very well. Stored seed requires stratification, 3 months warm then 5 months cold usually works well but germination can take 18 months. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.

Rich moist woods, it is also found on dry gravelly slopes and ridges, often in the shade of oaks and other large trees.