Plant · GBIF taxon 2882316
European beech
Fagus sylvaticaAlso 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
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Photosynthetic; 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
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyFagaceae
- SpeciesFagus sylvatica
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- 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.
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