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BritishTrees [Accessibility Options]

Beeches

The true beeches, from the 'Fagaceae' family, contains ten species which all occur in temperate regions of the world. Found in Asia, North America and Europe, including Great Britain, beeches are among the most majestic of all deciduous trees. Typically, they have smooth, thin, silver-grey bark and can attain heights in excess of 40 metres (30ft).

The most common species found in the British Isles are:

Beech, common
Beech, common
Common beech is often seen as a feminine tree and paricularly elegant examples may earn the name 'Queen beech'. Beech woodlands are characterised by a carpet of crispy fallen leaves and nut casings on the ground.
 
Copper or purple beech
Copper or purple beech
A tree often planted in gardens and towns for its distinctive purple leaves.