Beech Tree Facts and Information

Beech Tree Facts and Information

  • Latin Name: Fagus sylvatica
  • Native Words: Old Irish (), Scots Gaelic (), Old English (), Welsh (), Eastern Celtic ()
  • Ogham Sign:
  • Height When Mature: 30–40m (98–130ft)
  • Height After 10 Years: 3m

Beech Tree Leaves

Beech Tree Botanical Description

In late winter, Beech Trees are easy to identify by their alternate slender bronze buds developing on zigzagging twigs. Their vibrant green foliage emerges in April and creates one of spring’s most beautiful woodland displays. Leaves are around 9cm long with wavy margins and five to seven pairs of parallel veins.

The bark is smooth and grey. Mature trees display light, wispy outer twigs, and side branches that are sometimes as thick as small trunks.

In autumn, beech trees produce bristly seed pods that reveal three-sided nuts called "mast." The dry husks often stay on the tree long after the nuts have dropped.

Dead bronze leaves remain on young trees throughout winter, especially those sheltered from wind. Fallen leaves often form a thick carpet, suppressing other plant growth — beech woods often become monocultures, such as Burnham Beeches near Windsor. Beech trees can grow to towering heights and live up to 300 years.

Natural History and Ancient Wisdom of Beech Trees

Historically native to southern England, beech was introduced to other regions, including high hillsides and low river valleys, where it now grows freely. While some beech woods seem ancient, many were planted during the 18th century, particularly across the Chilterns. They became popular in private estates for their impressive presence.

In the 1987 storm, many mature beeches fell, especially in southern England. Without active replanting, fast-growing species like sycamore and ash are now replacing them in many locations.

The English word “book” comes from the Anglo-Saxon “boec,” because beech wood was originally used for carving early writing. The bark is often etched with graffiti from centuries past. Beech is prized for joinery, with its wood used in cabinetry and kitchen units.

Common Beech Tree

Beech Place Names

  • Bockhampton (Berkshire) – ‘settlement where beeches grew’
  • Buckholt (Hampshire) – ‘beech wood’
  • Buckhurst (Essex) – ‘beech wood’

Beech Trees Wildlife Rating

Good.

Beech mast is a valuable food source for woodland wildlife including badgers, deer, mice, squirrels, and various birds.

The rare Bird’s Nest Orchid thrives in the deep leaf litter of beech woods.

The leaves provide food for caterpillars such as the Lobster Moth and Least Black Arches.

Beech Trees Good Points / Bad Points

  • Excellent for hedging.
  • The Copper Beech variety (Fagus sylvatica purpurea) with burgundy foliage is perfect for parks and large gardens.
  • Stately avenues of mature beech are ideal for long driveways and estate landscaping.
  • Perfect as a specimen tree in larger outdoor spaces.

Beech Trees Bad Points

  • Shallow-rooted; older trees may be prone to windthrow — caution when planting near structures.
  • Only suitable as a standard tree for large gardens.
  • Not suitable for smaller gardens.

Want to Buy a Beech Tree?

Tree2mydoor has been delivering meaningful tree gifts across the UK and Ireland for over 20 years. Our Beech Tree Gift is a popular choice for commemorations and celebrations alike.

If you’re seeking a more mature tree, consider our Large Copper Beech Tree Gift or Common Beech Tree, both available in 12L pots and measuring around 1.5m tall.

For a native tree with striking appearance, the Copper Beech Tree Gift is ideal. Its deep burgundy foliage turns fiery orange in autumn, making it a garden standout.

For bulk or corporate gifting, contact care@tree2mydoor.com to explore your eco-friendly ideas. We're happy to help bring your green gifting vision to life.