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Fagus sylvatica is a species of flowering plant in the family fagaceae. the plant is native to europe, where it is found from the united kingdom to the Balkan peninsula. fagus sylvatica is a deciduous tree that typically grows to 30–35 m (98–115 ft) tall with a trunk diameter of up to 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in). the leaves are alternate, simple, and ovate-acute, with a length of 7–14 cm (2.8–5.5 in) and a width of 3–6 cm (1.2–2.4 in). the flowers are produced in spring, and the fruit is a nut that ripens in summer and autumn.

Popular name

• European beech
  
• Common beech
  
• Copper beech
  
• Weymouth beech
  
• Puritan beech

Common Knowledge

• Fagus sylvatica is a large, deciduous tree that is native to Europe.
  
• It can grow to be over 30 metres tall and has a broad, spreading crown.
  
• The leaves are ovate-shaped, dark green in colour and have serrated margins.
  
• The tree produces small, yellow-green flowers in early spring, which are followed by edible, greenish-brown fruits.
  
• Fagus sylvatica is found in woodlands, and is an important tree in the forest ecosystem.
  
• It is the main food source for the beech marten, and provides shelter and nesting sites for a variety of other animals.
  
• The wood of the tree is strong and hard, and is used for a range of purposes, including furniture and flooring.
  
• The tree is also a popular ornamental plant, and is planted in many parks and gardens.
  
• Fagus sylvatica can live for over 400 years, and is a long-lived tree.
  
• It is a slow-growing tree, and can take many years to reach its full size.

Growing Steps

1. For fagus sylvatica, first step is to find a good location. This tree prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soils. It also does not tolerate salt well, so avoid planting it in locations where road salt is used.
   
2. The second step is to clear the planting area of all weeds and grasses. This tree does not compete well with other plants, so it is important to give it a clear area to grow.
   
3. Next, dig a hole that is twice as wide as the tree’s root ball. The hole should also be deep enough so that the tree’s root ball is level with the ground.
   
4. Once the hole is prepared, carefully remove the tree from its container or burlap wrapping.
   
5. Gently loosen the roots around the tree’s root ball. This will help the tree to establish itself more quickly in its new location.
   
6. Place the tree in the hole and fill in around the roots with soil. Firm the soil lightly with your hands.
   
7. Water the tree thoroughly.
   
8. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the tree, but be sure to keep it away from the tree’s trunk.
   
9. Stake the tree if necessary. This is especially important in locations where there is potential for high winds.
   
10. This tree does not require pruning, but you can remove any broken or damaged branches as needed.

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, beech or Fagus sylvatica prefers well-drained, deep, humus-rich soils, although it also grows on poorer soils, including heavy clay. It is very intolerant of shade and site conditions that are too dry or exposed.

About light

Not too different with other trees, beech trees need sunlight to grow. However, they are able to tolerate shady conditions better than other trees. In fact, beech trees are often found in woodlands where they compete for sunlight under the canopy of other trees. They need about two hours of sunlight a day to grow and thrive.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition necessary for the growth of beech (Fagus sylvatica) is that the average temperature of the location should be 10 degrees Celsius. The beech is a hardy tree and can withstand cold conditions better than most other trees.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 60-70%. Fagus sylvatica, or the European beech, is a deciduous tree that is native to Europe. This tree grows best in climates that have cool summers and moderate winters. The European beech prefers moist, well-drained soils and does not tolerate drought well. This tree does best in full sun but can tolerate some shade. The European beech is sensitive to drought and will drop its leaves in dry conditions.

Fertilizing

The fertilizer, this family of plant is species-rich, with beech (fagus sylvatica) being a particularly important member. Beech roots typically reach a depth of 20 feet, which helps the tree to compete with other plants for water and nutrients. The deep roots also make beech trees resistant to wind damage.

About light

Pruning is a very important part of keeping a Fagus sylvatica healthy and attractive. If you do not prune your Fagus sylvatica regularly, it will become overgrown and unattractive. Pruning also helps to keep the size of your plant under control.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of fagus sylvatica is typically by seed. The small, dark brown seeds are produced in early autumn and need to be stratified (a process of cold conditioning) before they will germinate. Fagus sylvatica is an example of a plant that will not self-pollinate, therefore two trees are required for seed production. The two trees must be of opposite sexes (male and female). The male tree produces small, yellow-green flowers in pendulous clusters (catkins), while the female tree produces short, erect clusters of greenish-red flowers. Wind pollination occurs in late spring. Once pollination has taken place, the female flowers develop into small, triangular nuts. It takes 6-8 weeks for the nuts to mature and they are usually harvested in late summer or early autumn.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate research has been conducted in Europe, where the tree is indigenous. Studies there show that fagus sylvatica has an average growth rate of between 30 and 50 centimeters per year. However, there is evidence to suggest that fagus sylvatica can grow at a faster rate in North America, where the tree was introduced in the early 1800s. One study showed that fagus sylvatica trees in the northeast United States grew at an average rate of 97 centimeters per year.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are dehydration, pests, and disease. Dehydration can be caused by too little water, too much heat, or both. Pests can include aphids, caterpillars, scale, and mites. Disease can come in the form of blight, root rot, and mildew. All of these problems can be controlled with proper care and treatment.

Basics of Growing

• Do not forget to water your beech tree regularly, especially during hot weather.
  
• Add some organic matter to the planting hole before placing your tree.
  
• Fertilize your beech tree every year using a slow-release fertilizer.
  
• Prune your beech tree regularly to maintain its shape and size.
  
• Be sure to protect your tree from strong winds by staking it.
  
• Mulch around the base of your beech tree to help retain moisture.
  
• Check for pests and diseases regularly and treat accordingly.
  
• Give your beech tree plenty of room to grow by planting it in a large area.
  
• Harvest the nuts from your beech tree when they are ripe.
  
• Enjoy the shade and beauty that your beech tree will provide for years to come!

Related Plants

• Fagus sylvatica caucasica, caucasian beech
  
• Fagus sylvatica doerfleini, doerfel's beech
  
• Fagus sylvatica heterophylla, asian beech
  
• Fagus sylvatica lutea, yellow beech
  
• Fagus sylvatica purpurea, purple beech
  
• Fagus sylvatica salicifolia, willow-leaved beech
  
• Fagus sylvatica sessilis, sessile-leaved beech
  
• Fagus sylvaticavar. pendula, weeping beech
  
• Fagus sylvaticavar. superba, superb beech
  
• Fagus sylvaticavar. sylvatica, common beech

Source:
Fagus sylvatica, European beech | Trees of Stanford & Environs
Species: Fagus sylvatica - Cornell University
Fagus sylvatica habit: UIPLANTS - University of Illinois Urbana …