Beech
Fagus sylvatica
Also called Common beech, European beech and Copper beech
Garden plant · TreesA young beech holds its dead leaves all winter, which is why it makes the best hedge in Britain and why one in February looks dead. It is not. RHS names dogs for the nuts.
Care at a glance
- Ease
- Easy
- Water
- Once a weekWater the ground — water at the base, in the morning, not over the leaves.
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Feed
- Not needed
- Humidity
- Average
- Hardiness
- Hardy — a very cold winter RHS H6, to -20°C
- Size
- 20 m tall · 15 m across
- Lifecycle
- Tree
- Origin
- Western and central Europe
Is it safe for pets and people?
PetsToxic to pets
Affects dogs.
PeopleNot checked yet
Nobody has checked this one against a source for us yet, so treat it as unknown rather than safe.
Checked against ASPCA and RHS on 2026-09-10.
A guide, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet or a person has eaten a plant and you are worried, call your vet or doctor now — don’t wait for signs to appear. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.