Scientific name: Fagus sylvatica
Common name: European beech
Native: No
Native range: Native to Europe, but has been introduced to parts of North America [1,2].
Distribution in North America: Click to view the USDA Plants Database page for F. sylvatica.
USDA Zones: 4A-7B [1]
Maximum age: Average lifespan is between 150-300 years [2].
Ecology: In its native range, the seeds are important food for squirrels and birds [2]. The nuts of native beech species, such as Fagus grandifolia, are an important source of food to North American wildlife [3]. It is unclear if North American fauna prefer native beech over non-native species.
Ethnobotany: In its native range, Fagus sylvatica is valued for its woods, which provides a fine source of lumber for woodworking [2]. Indigenous Americans use its native cousin, Fagus grandifolia, for a number of medicinal and culinary purposes [4]. Though bitter and more commonly consumed by wildlife, the seeds are edible [2].
