Fagus sylvatica | Common Beech

The Fagus sylvatica is a majestic Beech often referred to as the Queen of British trees. It's considered native to the south of England and thought to be introduced from Europe around 4000BC. Fagus sylvatica is a large, elegant and deciduous tree with a wide, dense crown and spreading branches. Its bark is smooth and grey. Lime-green leaves with silky hairs break from long cigar shaped buds in late April. As they mature the hairs disappear and 4-10cm long leaves turn a shiny dark green with curving edges and deep veins. In autumn the leaves turn yellow-brown and usually remain on the branches through winter, making the Fagus sylvatica very popular for screening and hedging. Beech nuts, known as 'Beech Masts', provide an invaluable source of food for wildlife when they fall to the ground.

Mature Height

20m+

Tree Features

Impressive specimen tree.

Smooth, grey bark.

Dark green leaves with curving edges that turn yellow-brown in winter and stay on the tree, a trait known as 'Marcescence'.

Growing Conditions

Not too demanding, prefers well-drained soil, avoid locations that become water-logged.

Season of Interest

Summer - Full canopy of dark green leaves on elegant tiered branches.

Autumn - Beech Masts provide food for wildlife.

Winter - Retention of crinkled, brown leaves creates screening.

Tree Type

Standard, Multistem, Feathered, Pleached, Box Head, Umbrella, Hedging

Growing Locations

Parkland, Avenues, Woodland, Gardens in certain forms, Hedging.

Evergreen / Deciduous?

Deciduous
Did you know?

Many of the world's greatest artists use Beech trees to create some of their most memorable works. They use soot from the burnt Beechwood to create a pigment called 'bistre'. This brownish-yellow ink was then used for wash painting.