A deciduous tree growing to 10-20 m tall (rarely to 27 m), with a slender crown and a trunk up to 70 cm (exceptionally 1 m) diameter, with smooth but dull grey-white bark finely marked with dark horizontal lenticels. The shoots are grey-brown and finely downy. The leaves are ovate-acute, 2-5 cm long and 1.5-4.5 cm broad, with a finely serrated margin. The flowers are catkins, produced in early spring before the leaves. The fruit is a pendulous cylindrical aggregate 1-4 cm long and 5-7 mm diameter, which disintegrates at maturity releasing the individual seeds; these are 2 mm long with two small wings along the side.
Herb Effects
Anti-inflammatory, cholagogue, diaphoretic; diuretic and laxative (bark); bitter and astringent (inner bark); anticholesterolemic and diuretic (leaves); diuretic (vernal sap)
In the treatment of various skin afflictions, especially eczema and psoriasis (inner bark); in the treatment of gout, dropsy and rheumatism, and is recommended as a reliable solvent of kidney stones (leaves)
Health Remedies 
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