It is hardy to zone 5. It flowers in June, and the nuts ripen in October. The flowers are pollinated by Wind. The plant is self-fertile.

The kernels are eaten raw or used in confections, cakes, ice cream etc, a delicious flavour.

The dormant plant is very cold tolerant, tolerating temperatures down to about -27°C without serious damage, but the young spring growth is rather tender and can be damaged by late frosts.

Some late-leafing cultivars have been developed, these often avoid damage from spring frosts and can produce a better quality timber tree.