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Care of the plant Fagus sylvatica or Common beech.

Care of the tree Fagus sylvatica or Common beech

The genus Fagus, family Fagaceae, comprises 10 species of deciduous trees native to temperate regions of Asia, Europe, and North America. Some species are: Fagus sylvatica, Fagus grandifolia, Fagus orientalis, Fagus crenata, Fagus mexicana.

Common names: Common beech, European beech. This species is native to Europe.

They are large deciduous trees with a dense crown and smooth gray trunk that reach 40 meters (131.23 feet) in height. They have nice glossy light green leaves, oval shape and wavy edge. They produce male flowers and female flowers on the same plant but are not decorative. They bloom during the first half of spring. They produce edible fruits.

Common beech is used as shade trees and to form hedges and windbreaks; plant at a distance of 60 cm (1.96 feet) between specimens. It's ideal for gardens in Atlantic, temperate, cold and humid climates; it's not recommended for regions with a Mediterranean climate with very hot summers. It's also suitable for bonsai.

Fagus sylvatica can grow in full sun, semi-shade and shade exposure. It resists cold and frost very well.

The soil should be well drained, light and not contain too much organic matter.

Water frequently, waiting for the substrate surface to dry (the shallow 5 cm/1.96"). European beech needs a medium or high humidity.

Fertilize in late winter with compost or manure.

Prune lightly in late summer if grown to form hedges.

Fagus sylvatica does not usually have serious pest and disease problems if the substrate drains well.

Common beech propagates from the suckers that sprout at the base or from seeds sown in spring.

Images of the tree Fagus sylvatica or Common beech

Fagus sylvatica
Fagus sylvatica