Scientific name: Fagus sylvatica

Origin: Native to the UK

Key identifying traits: Young leaves are lime green with silky hairs, becoming darker and lose their hairs as they mature. A medium sized leaf, stalked, oval and pointed at the tip, with a wavy edge and distinct ribbing. Smooth greying bark on dense trunks that look like elephant’s knees!

In the wood: May be found in broadleaf woodland within the Canopy layer. A tall tree growing up to 40m tall. Its leaves are slow to decompose and can cover the floor preventing plants growing below.

Uses: Beech is a hard wood used for furniture. Its nuts are traditionally fed to pigs. It is often grown as a garden hedge.