Fagus sylvatica

Fagus sylvatica Details

Fagus sylvatica, commonly known as the Common Beech or European Beech, is a large, deciduous tree that grows with a broad, spreading crown. The leaves emerge yellow-green in spring, age to become glossy and dark green, then turn a russet-brown colour in autumn as they die off. Most interestingly, the leaves are not shed until spring which gives the tree an unusual appearance. The flowers are small and green and followed by bristly fruits in autumn. Left untrimmed it will grow to about 30 m tall and 15 m wide. This European Beech grows best in full sun or partial shade on a well-drained site. It is tolerant of frost, cold environments, and dry periods, though shelter when young will produce a better formed tree. Fagus sylvatica makes for a fantastic shade tree and mature specimens make a dramatic statement in the landscape when given plenty of room. It is also commonly used for avenue planting, trimmed into a hedge, used for screening, or added to a mixed planting in a large garden.