AI overview
Fagus sylvatica, commonly known as European beech, is a large tree species native to Europe that grows throughout the continent's forests. It matters because it is one of Europe's most important timber trees and plays a key ecological role in forest ecosystems.
AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.
Taxonomy · GBIF
SPECIES
- KingdomPlantae
- PhylumTracheophyta
- ClassMagnoliopsida
- OrderFagales
- FamilyFagaceae
via GBIF · CC0
Wikidata facts
- Instance of
- taxon
- Subclass of
- useful plant
- Parent taxon
- Fagus
- Image
- Illustration Fagus sylvatica0 clean.jpg
Show 5 more facts
Article
Fagus sylvatica, the European beech or common beech, is a large deciduous tree in the beech family with smooth silvery-grey bark, large leaf area, and a short trunk with low branches. It is native to much of Europe, growing in humid climates.
The species is cultivated as an ornamental, and has been spread beyond its original range, including in North America. Numerous cultivars have been developed, including the showy copper beech. Although slightly toxic due to the tannins and alkaloids they contain, the nuts are consumed by animals and humans. The trees are used for timber, such as the making of furniture.