Beech are magnificent trees with radiant green foliage in spring and early summer, beech grows best in chalky or sandy soils, where its able to drive its roots through the well drained soil to reach moisture. Beech are relatively short-lived, reaching maturity at 120 years and going on to live for barely 250 years when they often die suddenly and break apart. The abundant fruit, known as masts, are borne in scaly cups every five to eight years.
They are very palatable to birds and small mammals like deer and badger due to their high oil content (the oil can also be extracted and used for cooking). Many forms have striking purple-red foliage and are usually called copper beech, though there is only one true copper form (Purpurea) which has pale purpley-pink leaves and even then only for a few days after the leaf buds open. Beech bark is smooth and grey, though some trees may have faint rippling or ridging in patches.
Common Beech
