The beech is the most common deciduous tree in Germany. Even though there are numerous species of beech, common beech is almost exclusively grown on a large scale in this country. All other beech species were introduced and do not occur naturally in Germany. Interesting facts about the different types of beech trees.
What different types of beech trees are there?
In Germany the common common beech (Fagus sylvatica) and copper beech (Fagus sylvatica f. purpurea) are mainly common. There are over 240 beech species worldwide, which can differ in leaf size, leaf color and growth habit.
There are more than 240 species of beech trees worldwide
There are more than 240 different species of beech trees worldwide. In Germany, however, only the common beech (Fagus sylvatica) and its variety copper beech (Fagus sylvatica f. purpurea) play a role. The stone beech also occurs occasionally. It shows itself through a very pitted, cracked bark.
Weeping beeches and Süntel beeches
Two varieties of the common beech are particularly decorative: the weeping beech (Fagus sylvatica pendula) and the Süntel beech (Fagus sylvatica var. Suentelensis Schelle).
With the weeping beech or hanging beech, the trunk rises upwards like a fountain, while the branches bend downwards. It can grow quite tall, but the crown remains rather small. Weeping beeches are very popular in parks and, because of their name, also in cemeteries.
The Süntel beech, also known as curly beech or stunted beech, occurs in southern Lower Saxony. It impresses with its very stunted growth. The trunk is twisted and the branches grow into each other. Süntel beeches don't grow very tall, but they are very expansive. They offer an impressive sight, but are rather unsuitable for the garden.
A small selection of beech varieties
- Fagus crenata
- Fagus grandifolia caroliniana
- Ansorgei
- Pendula
- Franconia
- Marmorata
- Mercedes
- Purple Fountain
- Rohan Gold
- Rohanii
- Roseo marginata
- Silver thaler
- Silverwood
- Striata
- Tricolor
- Viridevariegata
- Zlatia
Many of these beech varieties are available from specialist retailers. They usually differ in the size and color of the leaves, occasionally also in the color of the bark and the structure of the crown. For laypeople, the differences are often difficult to recognize.
If you want to grow a special beech tree in your garden, you should go to a specialized tree nursery and get advice.
There are arboretums in various parts of Germany where a wide variety of beech species are grown. Those interested can find a lot of information there and find out how the individual species and varieties differ.
Hornbeams are not beeches
Despite their name, hornbeams are not beech trees. They are birch trees, but they look very similar to beech trees. The differences can be seen in the size of the tree and the nature of the leaves.
The large beech forests have almost disappeared
There used to be very large forests with copper beeches in Germany. The beech tree was used in a variety of ways, from animal feed to timber construction to consumption in times of need.
The so-called forest glass, which is made from beech ash and sand, was made from beech trees. This required huge amounts of beech wood, so the old beech forests were cut down and replaced with inferior types of wood.
Tip
The beech is also known as the “mother of the forest” because of its abundance. The addition “sylvatica” means “from the forest”.