Fagus
Sign in to saveBeech (genus Fagus) is a genus of deciduous trees in the family Fagaceae, native to subtropical (accessory forest element) and temperate (as dominant element of mesophytic forests) Eurasia and North America. There are 14 accepted species in two distinct subgenera, Englerianae and Fagus. The subgenus Englerianae is found only in East Asia, distinctive for its low branches, often made up of several major trunks with yellowish bark. The better known species of subgenus Fagus are native to Europe, western and eastern Asia and eastern North America.
AI overview
Fagus is a genus of large deciduous trees found across the Northern Hemisphere, including about 14 species that are divided into two main groups—one native to East Asia and another spread across Europe, Asia, and North America. These beech trees are ecologically important because they form dominant forests in temperate regions and can thrive in subtropical areas as secondary forest components.
AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.
Taxonomy · GBIF
GENUS
- KingdomPlantae
- PhylumTracheophyta
- ClassMagnoliopsida
- OrderFagales
- FamilyFagaceae
via GBIF · CC0
Article
19 sectionsContents
- Description
- Evolution
- Evolutionary history
- Phylogeny
- Taxonomy
- Species
- Natural and potential hybrids
- Etymology
- Ecology
- Habitat and distribution
- Pests and diseases
- Uses
- Furniture and construction
- Ornamental tree
- Food and food preparation
- Other
- See also
- References
- External links
Beech (genus Fagus) is a genus of deciduous trees in the family Fagaceae, native to subtropical (accessory forest element) and temperate (as dominant element of mesophytic forests) Eurasia and North America. There are 14 accepted species in two distinct subgenera, Englerianae and Fagus. The subgenus Englerianae is found only in East Asia, distinctive for its low branches, often made up of several major trunks with yellowish bark. The better known species of subgenus Fagus are native to Europe, western and eastern Asia and eastern North America.
The European beech Fagus sylvatica is the most commonly cultivated species, with several ornamental varieties, and forest trees yielding a timber used for furniture, flooring and construction, plywood, and household items. The timber can be used to build homes. Beechwood makes excellent firewood. Slats of washed beech wood are spread around the bottom of fermentation tanks for some beers. Beech logs are burned to dry the malt used in some German smoked beers. Beech is also used to smoke Westphalian ham, andouille sausage, and some cheeses.