Native to the western Mediterranean region (Spain, France, Morocco, and Italy), it is a deciduous tree/shrub up to 8m tall.

It tolerates temperatures between -5ºC and 35ºC.

Great resistance to drought and heat, requiring occasional watering.

Small white or pink flowers, grouped in small clusters, appear between April/July.

The fruits are conical capsules that hold the seeds among silky hairs that help them disperse in autumn.