Fagus sylvatica

Plant Details

Back

General Information

Scientific name: Fagus sylvatica

Also known as: Beech

Images: Google Images

Plant Properties

Layer: Nut tree

Format: Large

Height: 30.00 m

Width: 15.00 m

Growth Rate: Moderate

Leaf: Deciduous

Growth conditions

USDA Hardiness: 4-7

Soil Moisture:
Permeable, Moist

Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)

pH:
Acid Neutral Basic

Light:
Shadow, Half shade, Sun

Usage properties

Edible part:
Leaves, Oil, Seed

Edibility:
(4)

Medicinal:
(2)

Features:
Charcoal, Hedge, Oil, Filling, Wood, Bee plant

Description

Young leaves of this plant can be eaten raw and have a tasty, mild flavor that fits well in salads. However, be aware that the leaves quickly become tough, so it is best to use only the young leaves. The plant grows twice a year within three weeks: in the spring and in mid-summer. The seeds of the plant can be eaten raw or cooked and have a pleasant, sweet flavor. However, they are quite small and inconvenient to use but can also be dried and ground into a powder. This powder can be mixed with grain to make bread, pastries, and other dishes. The seeds contain about 20 percent edible oil with a semi-drying property, similar to olive oil. This oil is long-lasting and can be used as a dressing in salads and during cooking. The seeds can also be roasted and serve as a coffee substitute. Note that the waste from the seeds is toxic, and a large intake of seeds is considered poisonous.

Harvest Data

Start Harvest: 01/10

End of Harvest: 30/11

Crown Data

Crown Type: Smal Piramidaal

Crown Density: Dichte kroon

Guilds

Guild Information

Click on a plant in the diagram for more information.

Guild Details

Guild	Description
Morus alba White mulberry	Morus alba provides a food source for wildlife and offers shade, which can help maintain soil moisture around Fagus sylvatica.
Juglans regia English Walnut	Juglans regia, or walnut tree, provides nutrients to the surrounding soil, benefiting Fagus sylvatica.
Corylus avellana Hazel	Corylus avellana enhances biodiversity and provides nuts that support wildlife, benefiting Fagus sylvatica indirectly.
Acer campestre Field Maple, Hedge maple	Acer campestre, or field maple, can protect Fagus sylvatica from strong winds, while sharing similar soil preferences.
Alnus glutinosa European Alder	Alnus glutinosa improves soil quality by fixing nitrogen, benefiting Fagus sylvatica's growth.
Alnus cordata Italian Alder	Alnus cordata supports Fagus sylvatica by enhancing soil fertility and providing habitat for beneficial insects.
Arbutus unedoxaera Strawberry Tree	Acer saccharum, or sugar maple, shares similar ecological niches, fostering a diverse ecosystem around Fagus sylvatica.
Carya ovata Hickory	Carya ovata, or shagbark hickory, provides a robust root system that helps prevent soil erosion around Fagus sylvatica.
Crataegus arnoldiana Arnold hawthorn	Fraxinus excelsior, or ash, contributes to nutrient cycling and offers shade that benefits Fagus sylvatica.
Prunus salicina Japanese plum	Carpinus betulus provides a windbreak and helps maintain the microclimate beneficial for Fagus sylvatica.