Propagation
Stratify fresh seeds for 2 to 3 months during winter then sow in spring.
Cuttings of non-flowering shoots during summer.
Botanic information
Leaf: The glossy dark green leaves are ovate to oval with an acuminate apex, a cordate base and a light green petiole. The undersides of the leaves are dull green and the twigs are covered in velvety down.
Flower: The male and female catkins are produced separately on the same tree. The yellow green male catkins are pendant appearing after the smaller female catkins during spring.
Fruit: The small nut-like fruit is arranged in a cone-like structure. The small seeds are viable but the species often hybridise. To maintain continuity it is commonly reproduced vegetatively.
General pruning information
These trees require little pruning. Remove dead or damaged branches during summer and pruning during winter should be avoided as it can encourage silver leaf disease. Spring pruning may give rise to sap bleeding.