Common Beech (fagus sylvatica)

These trees stand tall in European woodlands, reaching heights of up to 40m. Their bark is distinctively smooth compared to most mature trees. In winter it has very pointed leaf buds and younger trees can keep their brown leaves all winter, even though they are deciduous. They are native.

In summer, when the leaves are fully out, beech trees form a dense canopy, meaning that very little can grow underneath. In autumn and winter, the fallen leaves provide a thick covering to the forest floor which mulches the plant, but also prevents other competing field level plants from growing. In spring, ground plants like bluebells can thrive under beech trees, until the canopy of leaves begins to shade the ground.

Beeches are wind pollinated, like lots of trees, with male catkins and female flowers. Once pollinated the flowers develop into a cup holding one or two beech nuts.

Beech is often used as firewood and for smoking fish, cheese and even in some beer production. It is also a popular choice for hedging.