This deciduous tree produces catkins in March and April, before the first leaves appear, and is pollinated by the wind (1). The fruits are green capsules that open up to reveal the very small seeds that have wispy hairs attached (3), which aid their dispersal in the wind (6). In order for this tree to regenerate, male and female trees must be fairly close together, and fertilised seeds must fall on bare soil that is still moist in June (8). The timber, which is springy and light, is highly resistant to fire, and has been used for a variety of purposes, including floorboards, clogs and arrows that were found on the Elizabethan galleon, the Mary Rose (8).