The leaves and their properties

You can recognize beech leaves by these signs

• Leaf shape: egg-shaped, oval
• Length: 5 - 11 cm
• Width: 3 - 8 cm
• Color: common beech: green, copper beech: red, red-green
• Edge: slightly sawn
• Appearance: wavy, clearly visible veins
• Autumn color: yellow-orange, red-orange
• Arrangement: alternate

Although the common beech is also called the common beech, the leaves are green. The name red beech refers to the wood, which is slightly reddish in color.

Leaves hang on the beech for a long time

One Special feature of the beech is the fact that the foliage does not fall off in autumn. Although it dries up, it often remains on the tree until the new leaves emerge. This is why beeches are well suited as hedge plants because they still offer good privacy protection even in winter.

Recognize diseases from the leaves

If the leaves show spots, if they roll up or if they dry up prematurely, this is a sign that the beech is missing something. If the leaves are dry, you should check whether the beech has enough moisture or whether it is even standing in waterlogging. Both of these lead to the leaves no longer being properly supplied.

Are common Fungal diseases responsible for the change in the leaves. But pests are also a threat to beech leaves.

Difference to the leaves of the hornbeam

The leaves of a Hornbeam are slightly smaller than beech leaves. They are heavily sawn on the edge.

If you are not sure what the leaves are, touch the foliage. If it feels very soft and young, it is beech leaves. Hornbeam leaves are harder and look a bit older when rubbed.