species 88,140 observations

European Beech

Fagus sylvatica

Field notes

Fagus sylvatica, the European beech or common beech, is a species of tree in the flowering plant family Fagaceae. It can grow to a height of more than 40 m and has smooth silvery-grey bark, large leaf area, and a short trunk with low branches. It is native to much of Europe, growing in humid climates.

The species is cultivated as an ornamental, and has been spread beyond its original range, including in North America. Numerous cultivars have been developed, including the showy copper beech, Fagus sylvatica purpurea. Although slightly toxic due to the tannins and alkaloids they contain, the nuts are consumed by animals and humans. The trees are used for timber, such as the making of furniture.