beech

fagus sylvatica

• Magnificent deciduous tree that can grow up to 40m tall
   
• Bark is smooth, silvery-grey
   
• Leaves are pointed ovals, with slightly wavy edges
   
• Cigar shaped buds open to reveal the young leaves which are a delicate yellow-green, turning to shiny dark green by late spring/early summer
   
• Leaves turn from pale yellow through to deep orange/red in autumn
   
• The triangular nuts ripen to a shiny rich brown and are held in a prickly, four-lobed casing
   

Where found

Either in mixed woodland or standing alone, usually on chalky or sandy soils.
 

When to look for

• Flowers and leaves in April/May
   
• Leaves drop around late October
   
• Ripe fruit in October