It is not for nothing that beeches are the most common deciduous trees in Germany. The foliage has a beautiful autumn color and the wood can be used in many ways. Peculiarities and characteristics of beech.

Beeches show a very beautiful autumn colour

Why are beeches also called red beeches?

The foliage of the common beech is green. The name copper beech comes from the fact that the wood has a slightly reddish colour. If it is steamed, the red tone is created, which is particularly valued in furniture making.

Beautiful autumn coloring of the beech leaves

Beeches sprout bright green in spring. The foliage shows a rich green color in summer. The foliage of the copper beech is even dark red or green-red. In autumn the leaves turn a very bright yellow-orange on red beeches and red-orange on copper beeches.

Beech leaves hang on the tree for a very long time

Many beech species carry their leaves for a very long time, even though they are deciduous trees. The leaves often hang on the tree until new growth occurs in spring before they fall to the ground.

This special feature makes the beech a popular hedge plant, because it is opaque even in winter.

Characteristics of the beech trunk

  • Bark first dark green-black, later silver-grey
  • Trunk little scarred
  • Bark only slightly cracked
  • Bark crumbles and falls off as dust

There are some features that make the beech trunk unmistakable. In beech forests, the light gray to silver-grey color of the trunk is particularly noticeable.

A beech can also be identified by the fact that the trunk looks very smooth. The places where branches once sat are clearly visible.

Light gray dust can often be seen under the beech. This is the bark, which does not form large scales on a beech tree, but crumbles into dust and falls off.

Beeches tolerate pruning very well

One of the special features of the beech is that it tolerates pruning extremely well. It even tolerates a cut down to the old wood. However, large wounds should be closed with artificial bark so that no pathogens can penetrate.

tips

Unlike the fruit, beech leaves are edible. The leaves are used in natural medicine to heal ulcers and gum problems. Beechnuts, on the other hand, are poisonous but can be eaten roasted.

Category:

Trees