European beech
Fagus sylvatica 路 Fagaceae 路 also Common beech
A majestic smooth-barked tree of 30 to 40 m casting dense shade, with coppery autumn leaves that young or clipped plants hold all winter. Beech forms the great forests of central Europe and the chalk hangers of southern England and is the classic formal hedge. Its mast feeds badgers, mice, squirrels and birds, but little grows under a mature canopy.
Where it stands
Native
Care
Plant bare-root in winter on drained soil; shelter young plants from hot sun and drought in the first two summers. Clip hedges in August; prune trees in late winter. Shallow roots make it vulnerable to drought, soil compaction and heat stress; beech bark disease (scale insect plus Nectria fungus), bracket fungi and Phytophthora are the main threats.
Benefits
Good for