The beech is a majestic, upright, and slender tree that reaches 30 meters. It has smooth, gray bark that resembles an elephant’s leg. Its branches are arranged horizontally on the main trunk, so it casts a dense shade under its canopy.
Curiosities
The fruits are edible, nutritious, and energetic, but their excessive consumption can cause stomach aches. Their wood is very good for carving. The ash from beechnuts is used to prepare liniments that help eliminate kidney stones.
| Height | 20 to 30 m. |
| Leaves | Deciduous, simple, alternate, elliptical or oval, with very prominent veins, measuring 5-10 cm long. |
| Flowers/Fruit | The flowers are born in hanging catkins and usually go unnoticed, but the fruits, called beechnuts, have a striking woody or spiny husk with soft prickles that houses 2 or 3 triangular-section seeds inside. |
| Climate/Habitat | Shady mountain slopes, does not tolerate waterlogged areas. |
| Common Name | Beech |
| Scientific Name | Fagus silvatica |
| Genus | Fagus |
| Family | Fagaceae |
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