Tree of life’s a beech

Beech trees in Bois Banal nature reserve in Clos du Doubs (Markus Bolliger/BAFU) Markus Bolliger/BAFU
Fresh leaves in Schlossflue nature reserve near Biel (Markus Bolliger/BAFU) Markus Bolliger/BAFU
Young beech trees in Leihubelwald nature reserve in Giswil (Markus Bolliger/BAFU) Markus Bolliger/BAFU, all rights reserved
European beech catkins (Petra Wrle) Petra Wrle
Leafy sunshine in Gorges de Court (Markus Bolliger/BAFU) Markus Bolliger/BAFU, all rights reserved
Crowning glory and grazing cow (Keystone) Keystone
Autumn foliage in a meadow in canton Jura (Markus Bolliger/BAFU) Markus Bolliger/BAFU
A wintry sunset in a beech forest in Burgdorf (Markus Bolliger/BAFU) Markus Bolliger/BAFU

In autumn, Switzerland’s beech trees are aflame with red leaves. However, they struggle with the higher temperatures that come with climate change.

minutes

If it hadn’t been for the interference of humans, the European beech would be the most common tree found in central Europe. Already in the 600s, people made books using thin boards cut from the versatile tree. In fact, the German word for book, “Buch”, is a derivative of the German name for the tree, “Buche”.

Along with spruce and silver fir, the European beech is one of the most important trees for Switzerland’s timber industry. Yet like many species, it is under threat. As the climate becomes warmer and drier, it has to adapt. Scientists at the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research have been experimenting with growing seedlings at different elevations.

A European beech tree can reach a height of 40 metres, and its leaves grow anywhere from five to 15cm long. The beech nuts, encased in prickly husks, are edible.