European beech (Fagus sylvatica)

European beech is closely related to oak. The closest natural habitat is in Lithuania. Grows better in Western Estonia and on islands. But if the climate change continues according to models, it should become common tree in our forests in about a century.

Beech bark is gray and smooth. Young leaves are bright green and delicate, during summer they change to dark greenand strong. Autumn colour is yellow to orange. Beech leaves rot slowly, covering the soil with thick layer of yellow leaves.

Very tolerant to shade. In Estonia grows slowly (30cm per year).

It needs moderately moist fertile soil. It is preferable to plant beech under the protection of other larger trees like oak, pine, rowan. The growing place should be protected from nothern winds.