European Beech

One of the most distinguishing features of the beech tree is its bark, which makes the tree's trunk look like the sturdy leg of a large elephant. This beech is European, differing from the American beech, which has no purple or bronze-leafed cultivars.

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Fagus sylvatica

HISTORY: In prehistoric times, beechnuts were a vital food source for man - fast forward many years, and man would use beech bark to develop the first examples of European literature. In fact, the English word "book" comes from the Anglo-Saxon "boc," which is a derivative of "beece" or beech. Its wood has been used for centuries for fire and furniture. The first European beeches were introduced to the United States around 150 years ago.

LEAVES: The leaves are simple, alternate, and 2-5 inches long with shallow teeth. There are several cultivars with different leaf colors, but most are green in the summer and russet or bronze in the fall and winter. However, this might be one of several cultivars (perhaps purple beech, copper beech, or red obelisk beech) which emerges deep purplish red in the spring, fades to purple-green in the summer, and finally turns copper in autumn.

FRUIT/CONE/NUT/SEEDS: The European beech produces beechnuts that are edible (but toxic if too many are eaten at once, so it is recommended to roast them before eating). They are three-winged, triangular, and usually have two nuts in a prickly husk.

FLOWERS: European beech trees have inconspicuous flowers.

BARK: The bark is smooth and gray with an elephant-hide appearance.

HEIGHT: European beeches can attain heights of 50-60 feet.

USES: The fine, short grain wood is often used for firewood or furniture, and the beechnuts are edible - they can also be used to attract birds and small mammals.

SOURCES:

https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/european-beech/#more-information

https://americanillustration.org/project/fagus-sylvatica/#:~:text=Foliage%20emerges%20deep%20purple%20in,a%20delight%20for%20future%20visitors.

https://bplant.org/compare/121-8519

https://shop.arborday.org/european-beech

The Beardsley Avenue District Tree Tour is generously sponsored by Kallimani Tree Services.