Beech
|
Botanical Name |
Fagus sylvatica |
|
Family |
Fagaceae |
|
Other Names |
Mother of the woods, queen of the woods, |
|
Description |
36m/120ft Silver-grey trunk. Pointed buds. Leaves bright green, oval, alternate, turn bronze in autumn. Flowers male dropping stalked heads, female in pairs. Fruit four inside prickly brown husk September-October deciduous tree Only fruits every 3-4 years |
|
Native to |
Europe, England |
|
Cultivation |
Well-drained soil. Chalk or acidic soil |
|
Harvesting |
Nuts as soon as possible, Leaves April |
|
Parts Used |
Nut oil |
|
Constituents |
Fixed Oil |
|
Culinary Uses |
Leaves in salads Nuts raw or cooked or made into oil |
|
Respiratory |
Bronchitis |
|
Nervous system |
Hopes, confidence |
|
Other Uses |
Wood used for indoors furniture |
|
Other Notes |
Used for writing tablets and the 1st books Beech trees drop their old branches without warning it is sometimes said it is because they are disgruntled The marks on beech trees where the old growth stops is said to be an evil eye prayers said under the tree are said to go straight to heaven |
|
Caution |
Should only be used by a professional |