Growth form: The European beech tree is an average sized, deciduous tree that can reach up to 90 feet tall. Its crown is rounded and it has a broad trunk.
Leaves, twigs, and bark: Leaves of the European beech are alternately arranged and simple. They are entire with wavy leaf margins. In the fall, the leaves will turn a beautiful red color. Its bark is smooth and gray and occasionally mottled. The trunk of the tree is very wide and stocky. The twigs are slender and a medium brown color.
European Beech leaves showing their wavy leaf margins. (Photo from University of Connecticut Plant Database)
Bark of European Beech (#212) that shows the smooth gray bark. (Photo by R. Forbes 12/5/19)
Flowers: The European Beech blooms in April and May. Its flowers are yellow, small, and not very showy. Both male and female trees have flowers.
Small, yellow flowers of the European Beech.
Fruits: European Beech trees produce woody fruits that are triangular. A unique characteristic of this fruit is that it is covered in spines unlike most other woody fruits.The fruits are about one inch long.
Nuts that are triangularly shaped and spiky. (Photo by R. Forbes 10/24/2019)
Native range and habitat: European Beech is native to Europe, specifically England traditionally. In America, it is often planted as an ornamental species. They thrive in a variety of habitats which another reason they are a good landscaping tree. Although they do best in humid climates in well drained soils, but they can grow well in shady environments too.
Native range of the European Beech (Yale Nature Walk, 2019).
Plant Family: The Beech family is known for its fruits which are acorns. Oak trees are in this family. They have alternately arranged leaves that are often toothed or lobed. They have no petals and 4-6 sepals. They also have tannic acid in them. Trees in this family have a type of fruit known as a catkin. This family is known for its strong wood that is good for furniture.
Ecologic Importance and Uses:
Edible and Medicinal Uses: European Beech nuts can be used to make oil and flower. They can also be used to create a smoky flavor for food. Its tar can be used as an antiseptic.
Wildlife: European beech trees are commonly a source of food for wildlife. Small mammals, bird, and deer eat the nuts that they produce.
Gardens and Landscaping: European Beech trees are often planted as an ornamental tree. It grows faster than the American Beech tree so it is commonly used in place of the American Beech.
Campus Specimens - European Beech
State and national champions? The largest fringe tree in the country is located in Salt Lake City, Utah. This national champion has a trunk circumference of 68 inches, height of 45 feet, and crown spread of 48 feet. Resulting in a total of 125 points. The Virginia state champion fringe tree is located in Lynchburg, VA, and has a circumference of 115 inches, height of 22 feet, and crown spread of 32 feet, for a total of 145 points.
At Radford University, two European Beech trees are found on Campus next to Jefferson Hall. They can be seen in the map below and #212 is highlighted.
Tree #212 left
Trunk circumference: 155 inches
Tree height: 54 feet
Crown spread: 42 feet x 26.8 feet Average = 34.4 feet
Total points: 182
Notes: This tree is on the side of a building and has been cut for aesthetic purposes so its crown spread is abnormal.
Tree #213 right
Trunk circumference: 159 inches
Tree height: 54 feet
Crown spread: 44.7 feet x 37.8 feet Average crown spread = 41.3 feet
Total points: 223
Notes: This tree's trunk has two stems which are both very broad.