How to identify a beech tree
Tree Profiles > How to identify a beech tree
How do you identify a beech tree?
Wondering if you are looking at a beech tree? Your clues are their leaves, buds and seeds. Here’s what they look like at-a-glance:
Beech tree facts
Hello! In today’s guide we are going to learn how to identify a beech tree. Are you ready? Let’s get started! Here are a few beech facts:
- Common name: Beech – Common, European
- Latin name: Fagus sylvatica
- Family: Fagaceae
Beech trees can grow up to 40 meters tall, live for up to 300 years and prefer to grow in light, damp, well-drained soil.
Beech leaves
Beech leaves are a vibrant green when young, becoming darker as they mature. Their edges are wavy with soft, silky hairs and the tips of the leaves are pointed.
Beech buds
Their buds are long, thin, pointed and stick out away from the twig.
Beech seeds (mast)
Beech produces lovely, 3-sided chestnut-coloured seeds inside a hard, spiky, 4-part husk.
Trees that look similar to beech
Beech leaf
Hornbeam leaves look similar to beech, but have deep furrows between its veins and toothed margins.
Beech nut
Sweet chestnuts
Sweet chestnut
Sweet chestnuts look similar to beech nuts, but are rounder and larger with a flat, pale bottom and inside a spiky green husk.
Beech tree uses
- Medicinal -Beech was traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic.
- Dyes -The leaves provide a rich, coppery brown dye.
- Bushcraft – The young leaves and mature seeds of beech can both be eaten.
- Wildlife – Beech trees are home to bearded tooth fungus, truffles and orchids and a food source for various birds and animals.
- Industry – Its wood burns well and was traditionally used to dry smoke herring.
- Environment – The dense leaves and branch structure of beech, along with its heavy carpet of leaves means only shade-loving plants can grow in areas of beech wood.