Fauna
Plant

European Beech

Fagus sylvatica

Also known as Common Beech

European beech is a massive deciduous tree with smooth silver-gray bark and a dense crown that casts deep shade. Its oval leaves have straight side veins and softly wavy margins, turning copper before they fall.

Canopy TreeSmooth BarkShade Forest
European Beech reference1 / 7
(c) Daniel Linzbauer, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Daniel Linzbauer · cc-by
—observations
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyPhotosynthetic; broad shallow roots absorb moisture and nutrients and partner with mycorrhizal fungi
Predators
  • Deer
  • Beech scale insects
  • Leaf-feeding caterpillars
ThreatsHeat, drought, soil compaction, severe storms, logging, and emerging forest diseases
HabitatsHumid temperate forest, old-growth woodland, mountain slopes, ravines, and mature parks
Life spanOften 200 to 300 years, with exceptional trees living longer
Classification
  1. OrderFagales
  2. FamilyFagaceae
  3. GenusFagus
  4. SpeciesFagus sylvatica
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Avoid carving smooth bark or compacting the broad shallow root zone.
Responsible observation
  • Bark: Look for an unbroken smooth silver-gray trunk on mature trees.
  • Leaves: Follow straight side veins to the gently wavy margin.
  • Protect: Stay on established routes beneath old crowns.
Related species

Related species have not been added yet.

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