okaspuud

Okaspuud, also known as the European beech, is a deciduous tree species native to Europe and Western Asia. It is a member of the beech family, Fagaceae, and is closely related to the American beech. Okaspuud is known for its distinctive, heart-shaped leaves and its ability to grow in a variety of soil types, including acidic and nutrient-poor soils. The tree typically reaches a height of 20-30 meters and has a broad, rounded crown. Its bark is smooth and grayish-brown, becoming darker and furrowed with age. Okaspuud produces small, bell-shaped flowers in the spring, followed by small, nut-like fruits that are encased in a cup-shaped structure. The tree is valued for its timber, which is used in construction and furniture making, and its leaves are used in traditional medicine for their astringent properties. Okaspuud is also an important species in forestry, providing habitat and food for a variety of wildlife species.