Beuken

Beuken are deciduous trees of the genus Fagus, most commonly the European beech (Fagus sylvatica). In Dutch usage, beuken refers to beech trees in general, and beukenhaag to beech hedges.

Beech trees typically reach 25–40 meters in height, with a straight trunk and smooth gray bark. Leaves are simple, oval, 5–12 cm long, with finely serrated margins. They are green in spring, turning yellow to copper in autumn before shedding.

Native to temperate Europe, from southern Sweden to the Iberian Peninsula and parts of western Asia, beech prefers fertile, well-drained soils. It occurs in mixed broadleaf forests and, through planting, outside its native range for timber, ornament and hedges.

Beech is relatively shade-tolerant and forms dense stands. The tree bears small nuts (beechnuts) in autumn, an important food for wildlife. It is slow to colonize gaps and is sensitive to drought. Wood is hardwood, valued for furniture, flooring and veneers.

In horticulture and landscape use, beech is popular for ornamental trees and formal hedges (beukenhaag). It requires moisture and fertile soil and establishes slowly, but once mature provides dense screens and long-lived features.

Beech forests are widespread in Europe and are not globally endangered, but local populations can be affected by deforestation, climate change, and pests. Sustainable forestry and proper management help preserve beech ecosystems.