Japanese Beech
(Fagus crenata)
Japanese Beech (Fagus crenata)
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harum.koh
CC BY-SA 2.0
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harum.koh
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CC BY-SA 2.0
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Photo by: harum.koh | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ | Uploader: harum.koh | Publisher: Flickr
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Fagus crenata, commonly known as Japanese Beech, is a deciduous tree native to cool temperate forests of Japan, particularly thriving in moist, well-drained soils in mountainous regions. It can reach up to 35 meters (115 ft) in height with a rounded crown and smooth, grey bark that adds to its ornamental value. The leaves are simple, alternate, and ovate with serrated margins, broadest towards the base, and have 7 to 11 pairs of veins, turning a golden bronze in the fall. The tree produces inconspicuous wind-pollinated flowers followed by triangular nuts encased in spiny husks, which are a food source for wildlife. The nuts, with their short thick stalks and distinctive green whiskers at the base, are also edible for humans.
Japanese Beech is valued for its stately form and attractive foliage, making it a suitable choice for large gardens, parks, and as a shade tree. It is also used in forest restoration projects. This species prefers full sun to partial shade and requires consistent moisture, but is adaptable to a range of soil types provided they are well-drained. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to beech bark disease and requires space to accommodate its size.CC BY-SA 4.0
Japanese Beech is valued for its stately form and attractive foliage, making it a suitable choice for large gardens, parks, and as a shade tree. It is also used in forest restoration projects. This species prefers full sun to partial shade and requires consistent moisture, but is adaptable to a range of soil types provided they are well-drained. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to beech bark disease and requires space to accommodate its size.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 50-80 feet
- Width: 40-45 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Slow, Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant
Natural Habitat
Cool temperate forests of Japan, particularly in mountainous regions
Other Names
Common Names: Siebold’s Beech, Buna
Scientific Names: , Fagus sieboldii, Fagus crenata, Fagus crenata var. undulata, Fagus sylvatica var. sieboldii, Fagus asiatica, Fagus crenata var. grandifolia, Fagus crenata var. procera, Fagus ferruginea descr, Fagus ferruginea f. dentata
GBIF Accepted Name: Fagus crenata Blume