Beech is a genus of deciduous trees in the family Fagaceae, native to subtropical and temperate Eurasia and North America. There are 14 accepted species in two distinct subgenera, Englerianae Denk & G.W.Grimm and Fagus.
The subgenus Englerianae is found only in East Asia, distinctive for its low branches, often made up of several major trunks with yellowish bark. The better known species of subgenus Fagus are native to Europe, western and eastern Asia and eastern North America. They are high-branching trees with tall, stout trunks and smooth silver-grey bark.
Beech trees prefer temperate climates. They thrive in areas with deep, fertile, well-drained soils. Beech trees can suffer from several diseases and pests like beech bark disease, which involves a scale insect and a fungus. Wood from beech is hard, strong, and very durable, making it useful for furniture, flooring, and tool handles.
There are several species of beech trees, with the European beech (Fagus sylvatica) and the American beech (Fagus grandifolia) being the most well-known.
Types of Beech Trees
European Beech (Fagus sylvatica)
- Characteristics: Smooth, grey bark, dense foliage, leaves are oval with a wavy margin.
- Distribution: Native to Europe, widely planted in temperate regions worldwide for timber and ornamental purposes.
American Beech (Fagus grandifolia)
- Characteristics: Smooth silver-grey bark, leaves are larger than European beech with distinctive pointed tips.
- Distribution: Eastern North America, from Nova Scotia to Florida and west to Wisconsin.
Copper Beech or Purple Beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea’)
- Characteristics: Leaves start reddish in spring, turn purplish-copper over summer.
- Distribution: Cultivated globally in temperate zones for its ornamental value.
Japanese Beech (Fagus crenata)
- Characteristics: Smaller leaves with rounded teeth, bark smooth when young, turning rough with age.
- Distribution: Japan, particularly in mountainous regions.
Chinese Beech (Fagus engleriana)
- Characteristics: Leaves are oval with slightly serrated edges, less common in cultivation.
- Distribution: Central and western China.
Oriental Beech (Fagus orientalis)
- Characteristics: Similar to European beech but with leaves that are lighter green and more elongated.
- Distribution: Southeastern Europe to western Asia, from Balkans to Caucasus.
Crimean Beech (Fagus sylvatica subsp. orientalis)
- Characteristics: Leaves are lighter in color compared to typical European beech, slightly narrower.
- Distribution: Crimea and adjacent areas of the Black Sea region.
Weeping Beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Pendula’)
- Characteristics: Branches droop towards the ground, forming a mound shape if not staked.
- Distribution: Widely cultivated in gardens and parks for its unique form.
Fern-Leaf Beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Aspleniifolia’)
- Characteristics: Leaves deeply cut, giving a feathery appearance, making it stand out among other beeches.
- Distribution: Cultivated in gardens for its distinctive foliage.
Dawyck Beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Dawyck’)
- Characteristics: Fastigiate growth habit, very upright with leaves similar to the species but on a columnar tree.
- Distribution: Planted in urban settings and landscapes, original from Scotland.
Riversii Beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Riversii’)
- Characteristics: Darker purple foliage than the Copper Beech, maintaining color throughout the season.
- Distribution: Cultivated for ornamental purposes in temperate climates.
Tricolor Beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Roseomarginata’)
- Characteristics: Leaves with green, pink, and white variegation, creating a striking appearance.
- Distribution: Popular in ornamental gardening, seen in parks and estates in temperate regions.