Pictorial guide to the flora of the British Isles

Home ⟩ Pictorial Guide ⟩ Fagaceae ⟩ Fagus sylvatica / beech

Fagus sylvatica L.

beech (Fagaceae)

 SpreadBias within British IslesDirection of bias
Very widespreadNegligible tendencyS
Plant Atlas 2020
BSBI Distribution Map

Fagus sylvatica is a large tree that is a significant component of native woodland, especially over base-rich rocks.

Oxford (VC23: Oxfordshire); 2015-06-15

 beech / Fagus sylvatica: _Fagus sylvatica_ is a large tree that is a significant component of native woodland, especially over base-rich rocks.

The buds of Fagus sylvatica are distinctively long, narrow and tapering.

Oxford (VC23: Oxfordshire); 2014-03-03

 beech / Fagus sylvatica: The buds of _Fagus sylvatica_ are distinctively long, narrow and tapering.

Fagus sylvatica is wind-pollinated, with small catkins dangling among the simple leaves.

Stokenchurch (VC24: Buckinghamshire); 2014-04-30

 beech / Fagus sylvatica: _Fagus sylvatica_ is wind-pollinated, with small catkins dangling among the simple leaves.

The fruit of Fagus sylvatica consists of 2 sharply angled nuts in a hard, 4-valved cupule.

Green Hailey (VC24: Buckinghamshire); 2016-07-28

 beech / Fagus sylvatica: The fruit of _Fagus sylvatica_ consists of 2 sharply angled nuts in a hard, 4-valved cupule.

All images copyright © Christopher J. Dixon unless otherwise indicated.

L-R: Bidens tripartita, Melilotus officinalis, Mimulus guttatus, Thalictrum flavum, Ranunculus peltatus, Anchusa arvensis, Malva alcea, Lolium perenne