Fagus sylvatica Beech (Fagaceae) Deciduous tree

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Fagus sylvatica
Beech
Deciduous tree
(1 Page of 5)

The Fagus sylvatica plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Fagaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Beech.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Fagus sylvatica
Common Name:  Beech
Family:  Fagaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  Large quantities of the seed may be toxic[65, 76].

Mature Height:  30   Mature Width:  15

Habitat:  Grows in woodlands where it is often the dominant species, especially on chalky soils[13].

Edible Uses: Young leaves - raw[183]. A very nice mild flavour, they go well in a mixed salad. However, the leaves quickly become tough so only the youngest should be used[2, 5, 12, K]. New growth is usually produced for 2 periods of 3 weeks each year, one in spring and one in mid-summer. Seed - raw or cooked[2, 5, 7, 63, 183]. A pleasant sweet flavour, though rather small and fiddly[K]. The seed can also be dried and ground into a powder and then used with cereal flours when making bread, cakes etc[12]. The seed is rich in oil. The seed should not be eaten in large quantities because it contains a deleterious principle[65, 238]. The seed contains 17 - 20% of an edible semi-drying oil[4, 7, 8, 57]. This stores well without going rancid and is said to be equal in delicacy to olive oil[183]. It is used as a dressing for salads and also for cooking[238]. The seed residue is poisonous[9, 57]. The roasted seed is used as a coffee substitute[2, 63].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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