Woodland Trust

Nature's CalendarNature Detectives

Blackberries are one of the top ten fruits containing anti-oxidants

beech

Fagus sylvatica

  • Magnificent deciduous tree that can grow up to 40m tall
     
  • Bark is smooth, silvery-grey
     
  • Leaves are pointed ovals, with slightly wavy edges
     
  • Cigar shaped buds open to reveal the young leaves which are a delicate yellow-green, turning to shiny dark green by late spring/early summer
     
  • Leaves turn from pale yellow through to deep orange/red in autumn
     
  • The triangular nuts ripen to a shiny rich brown and are held in a prickly, four-lobed casing
     

Where found

Either in mixed woodland or standing alone, usually on chalky or sandy soils.
 

When to look for Add the dates of when you first record this species

  • Flowers and leaves in April/May
     
  • Leaves drop around late October
     
  • Ripe fruit in October