Beech  (Fagus sylvatica)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Description

The beech is a magnificent large tree with a broad crown, and very smooth greyish bark. There are typically many branches, which may arch downwards. The dark green leaves are oval to elliptical in shape, terminating in a point; they have wavy edges, which are fringed with hairs in young leaves. The male flowers occur in drooping clusters; in contrast, female flowers occur in pairs on short stalks (2). The nuts (known as 'mast') also occur in pairs, in a spiny husk consisting of four lobes (3).

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