Fagus sylvatica (Beech)

The beech (Fagus sylvatica) is quite a remarkable tree. It is easily recognised by its smooth, silvery-grey bark (and some even say it resembles the foot of an elephant). The beech can grow to immensely lofty proportions, with a specimen growing on the South Downs reported to be the tallest native tree in the UK at 44m (144ft) according to the National Trust. Though, beech more often grows to around 30m (100ft). Leaves around 5-7cm long and 3-4cm wide with 6-7 veins on each side of the leaf. In April and May the flowers emerge. The beech is monoecious which means it produces both male and female flowers. Male flowers are produced on long stalks in the form of catkins. Female flowers are produced in pairs. The beech is not a particularly long lived tree, but can live on average up to 250 years, though old pollards may be 400 years old or more. Beech is commonly grown as a garden hedge and can be found growing as both a specimen tree or as a hedge in its purple form, known as copper beech/purple beech (Fagus sylvatica pupurea).