Images of the European Beech (Fagus sylvatica)

European Beech

Fagus sylvatica

Also called Common Beech, this European native is sensitive to heat and to extended periods of extreme cold. Its wood is used to make furniture and cabinets. A purple form of this species is prized for landscape use. Its three-sided nut is a favorite food of birds and squirrels in early autumn.

Habitat:Planted as an ornamental, rarely escaping from cultivation.

Growth Habit:Deciduous tree, growing up to 35 m tall.

Bloom Time:Spring.

Presence in US:MA MD ME NY OH RI UT

Presence in Canada:ON

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This project was supported in part by NSF Grant IIS-03-25867 (ITR: An Electronic Field Guide: Plant Exploration and Discovery in the 21st Century) and by the Washington Biologists' Field Club.

Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official views, opinions, or policy of the National Science Foundation (NSF).