Fagus sylvatica
Book, Routbich
Copper Beech
Hêtre cuivré
Rotbuche

Size:
The copper beech is a mighty deciduous tree with a smooth grey bark that can reach a height of 40 m and live up to 300 years.

Leaf: 
The leaf of the beech is ovate and has a wavy edge. Leaf emergence, usually shortly before 1 May, announces full spring.

Flower/Fruit: 
The inconspicuous flowers appear in May and develop into the typical triangular beechnuts, which are edible. However, they usually only bear about every 4 to 5 years. More frequent masts are a sign of the stress to which the beeches are currently exposed.

Wood: 
Beech wood is hard and strong and, along with oak and hornbeam, is one of our heaviest woods. It is used very versatile in the furniture industry. It is only durable under water, so it cannot be used outdoors. The calorific value of beech is high, which is why it is considered the most important supplier of firewood.

Trivia/Use: 
European beech is the main tree species in central Europe. It occurs both on the coast and in the mountains. Only its sensitivity to frost restricts its growing range. When young it needs a lot of shade, when old it provides a lot of shade. The copper beech tolerates pruning well and is therefore also used in the garden as a hedge.