Beech

Fagus sylvatica

Potentially a large tree it can grow to 120ft (36m), it is too tall to grow as a specimen tree in the average garden.

However it forms an excellent hedge as it can be clipped closely. The leaves turn russet - brown in the winter and will remain over winter if pruned in midsummer. It thrives in a wide variety of soils and will tolerate shade.

When grown as a tree the wood is quite pale and has a delicate figure. It is used extensively in furniture manufacture.

The beech nut is fancied by mammals and birds and can be ground up to flavour bread.