Common Beech

Name: Common Beech

Scientific name: Fagus sylvatica

Category: Trees and bushes

Nature Stars: 30

What are nature stars?

About: A tall forest tree.

How to identify: Told by the shiny, soft oval leaves, the smooth grey bark, the pointed torpedo-shaped buds and the large hairy fruit that contains the beech nuts or 'mast'.

Where: Widespread in southern and central England, widely planted elsewhere.

Fantastic fact: Beech has been cultivated for many years, producing some beautiful varieties, including the deep red Copper Beech.

Photograph credit: Philip Precey