Tree of the Month: Beech
Beech Fagus sylvatica
Each month we’re going to bring you a profile of one of the UK native tree species being planted in the Silk Wood Community Planting Project – this month is the common beech.
Once referred to as the ‘queen of trees’ they can grow to 40 metres, the leaves go a beautiful golden yellow in autumn, and the smooth, grey bark is sometimes compared to elephant skin. They also produce thick, shady canopies – ideal to shelter under during all this sun!
Within the UK, beech is only considered truly native to southeast England, and south-east Wales where the environment suited it more, but as the climate warms, it’s likely it will spread further north in the UK. However, it has shallow roots, so may be more susceptible to the more intense storms and severe drought likely to affect the country more frequently.
Because beech woodland canopies are extremely dense, only very shade-tolerant or specialist plants can grow there – this includes the bird’s-nest, and ghost orchid. You’ll also find truffles (a type of fungus) in some beech woods, as they form a symbiotic relationship with the trees to help obtain nutrients in exchange for sugars.
Traditionally, the wood is used for all sorts of products from furniture to utensils and tool handles. Plus, beech wood burns well, so makes good firewood. The beech nuts you may also spot at this time of year are sometimes roasted as a coffee alternative in France.
