Contents
Description
Fagus is a genus of deciduous trees commonly known as beeches, native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The genus comprises about ten species, including Fagus grandifolia, Fagus sylvatica, and Fagus crenata. Beeches are known for their smooth, gray bark, and their oval-shaped leaves with serrated edges that turn yellow in the fall. Beech nuts, which are triangular-shaped nuts enclosed in prickly husks, are an important source of food for wildlife.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fagales |
| Family | Fagaceae |
| Genus | Fagus |
Appearance
Beeches are tall trees that can grow up to 100 feet tall, with a wide, spreading crown. They have smooth, gray bark that is sometimes marred by horizontal lines or wrinkles. The leaves of beech trees are oval-shaped, with serrated edges, and can grow up to 4 inches long. They turn yellow in the fall. Beech nuts are triangular-shaped nuts enclosed in prickly husks. The nuts are edible, but they are not commonly eaten by humans.
Care Guide
Beeches require moderate watering, and should be watered deeply once a week during the growing season. They prefer well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. Beeches should be fertilized in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. They prefer full sun to partial shade, and are hardy in zones 3 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Beeches are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including beech bark disease, which is caused by a combination of a scale insect and a fungus. Other pests that affect beeches include aphids, leaf miners, and caterpillars. Diseases that affect beeches include powdery mildew, leaf spot, and canker.
Habitat
Beeches are native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including Europe, Asia, and North America. They are commonly found in deciduous forests, and are often planted as ornamental trees in parks and gardens.
Question and Answer
Q: Are beech nuts edible?
A: Yes, beech nuts are edible, but they are not commonly eaten by humans.
Q: What is beech bark disease?
A: Beech bark disease is caused by a combination of a scale insect and a fungus, and can kill beech trees.
Q: What are some pests that affect beech trees?
A: Some pests that affect beech trees include aphids, leaf miners, and caterpillars.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for beech trees?
A: Beech trees are hardy in zones 3 to 8.
Related Plants
- Quercus (oak)
- Carpinus (hornbeam)
- Juglans (walnut)
References
- “Beech Trees.” The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Accessed June 22, 2021. https://www.almanac.com/plant/beech-trees.
- “Fagus.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed June 22, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b621.
- “Fagus.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed June 22, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/17969/fagus/details.
