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

• Leaves in April/May
   
• Leaves tint during
  September and October
   
• Leaves drop around late October
   
• Ripe fruit in October

Did you know?

• More than 2000 species of fungi grow in association with beech
  
  
• Beech nut oil was used in 19th century England for cooking and in lamps
  
  
• Beech timber has been used in the manufacture of gunpowder and as a source of creosote
  
  
• Chips of beech wood are used as a fining agent in the brewing of Budweiser beer
  
  
• Beech wood pulp is used as the basis for manufacturing a textile fibre known as Modal