Guide to Beech Trees and Their Uses

The Signature Picture of Beech Trees and Recipes

Beech Trees 

Glennie Kindred provides a comprehensive guide to Beech trees (Fagus sylvatica), delving into their presence, unique characteristics, growth patterns in woodlands, and even offers recipes for utilizing Beech, ranging from leaf teas to liqueurs and essences.

Beech trees are known for their imposing stature and innate beauty, captivating observers throughout the seasons. While they steal the show in autumn with their brilliant orange leaves, they possess a special allure in spring when their delicate leaf buds unfurl, resembling small fans, and their vibrant green leaves emit a translucent glow. Keep an eye out for the tufty female flowers and clusters of male tassels, which make an appearance in May, shortly after the leaves have emerged. Once pollinated, the female flowers develop into the familiar bristly husks containing Beech mast.

These husks ripen through the summer and release an abundant harvest of triangular beechnuts in September. Referred to as the "Mother of the Woods," Beech trees exude a strong, nurturing presence, characterized by their smooth gray trunks that beckon you to sit beneath their branches. Their graceful, meandering branches conjure images of dancing women. They are akin to wise and steadfast female companions, always there to listen and offer support. Historically, these majestic trees served as "landmark" trees, aiding people in navigating the woods and serving as meeting points. Even today, they remain instrumental in guiding people to springs, caves, or rendezvous locations in the woods.

Although Beech trees were initially believed to have been brought to Britain by the Romans, new evidence suggests they are native to the land, having thrived since the melting of the ice that once connected Britain and Europe at the end of the last Ice Age. They were initially concentrated in Southern England but have steadily migrated northward due to their adaptability, making them the third most common tree in British woodlands and extending their range as far north as Scotland. Beech trees also grow in Northern Europe, including Norway and Sweden, as well as at elevations of up to 6,000 feet (1,830 meters) in Central Europe.

During the Middle Ages, Beech forests like Epping Forest and Burnham Beeches were cultivated for timber, and ancient Beech trees with large, bulbous trunk boles remain, a testament to their resilience as they were repeatedly pollarded in the past. Typically, Beeches live for about three hundred years, but some ancient pollarded trees have surpassed five hundred years of age. The longevity of Beeches contributes to the stability and richness of the forest environment, promoting biodiversity by attracting wildlife, plants, and fungi.

Over time, mycelia, the thread-like structures of fungi, establish symbiotic relationships with Beech tree roots. These relationships benefit both the trees and the fungi. Mycelia provide nutrients from the soil to the trees, while the trees reciprocate by supplying the fungi with carbohydrates and sugars. Mycorrhizae networks formed by these relationships can span vast distances, allowing Beech trees to communicate over significant expanses and fostering interconnectivity within the forest. Recent research by Suzanne Simard has demonstrated that trees support one another and share resources, even aiding sick trees by providing extra nutrients. They also communicate with nearby trees to produce toxins in their leaves when under insect attack, protecting themselves and their neighbors. These discoveries underscore trees' consciousness, their awareness of interconnectedness, and their ability to cooperate for the well-being of the forest.

Trees occupy two realms: the one above ground, which we inhabit, and the one below ground, where roots and soil dominate. Beech trees are notable for their prominent roots, which can often be seen above ground and are sometimes accessible to touch. Soil erosion exposes these shallow roots and reveals their intricate patterns of intertwining. Unlike the deeply anchored taproots of Oaks, Beeches have shallow roots, making them more susceptible to falling when weakened. This process creates space for the next generation of Beech trees to grow, ensuring the ongoing vitality of the forest. Beeches continue to nurture and sustain the forest environment even after their physical demise, symbolizing interconnectivity and life force. Suzanne Simard's research also unveils the existence of large "Mother trees" in the forest that foster strong mycorrhizal networks, benefiting the entire woodland and serving as communication hubs for nearby trees. This newfound knowledge may influence the methods employed in tree harvesting, favoring smaller-scale felling to preserve soil integrity and mycorrhizal networks.

Beech trees serve as symbols of calm oversight and stewardship, reminding us to slow down, absorb knowledge, and cooperate with trees for the sustainable future of our Earth. As we navigate the complexities of technological advancement and its impacts on the planet, Beeches inspire us to take a longer view, deepen our understanding, and live in harmony with trees for the Earth's enduring well-being.

Myths, legends, and folklore have celebrated Beeches as the "Mother of the Woods" and the "Beech Queen," honoring their connection to wisdom, learning, and the mystical realms. Early writing tablets were crafted from thin slices of Beech wood, which were later bound together to create early books. Beech bark, with its smooth surface, was often engraved with initials and symbols as a form of good luck and as a talisman. The Druids believed in the power of inscribing symbols on Beech wood, imbuing them with meaning and manifestation. Beech trees were also associated with communication and the sharing of knowledge, and they played a pivotal role in the transition from parchment and vellum scrolls to early forms of books.

In terms of medicinal uses, both Beech leaves and nuts are edible and have been consumed throughout human history. However, caution is advised when consuming raw Beechnuts in large quantities, as they contain saponin glycoside, which can lead to gastric issues. Roasting the nuts effectively removes the toxin while enhancing their flavor. Beech leaves, when bruised, have soothing properties and can be applied directly to inflamed or infected areas of the body as a poultice. Additionally, Beech leaves can be used to make oil or ointment, beneficial for addressing dry skin, dandruff, and other dry skin conditions.

Furthermore, Beech leaves, particularly when they first unfurl and are delicate and thin, can be incorporated into culinary endeavors. These tender leaves are excellent additions to mixed salads, either torn or finely chopped and accompanied by a sweet honey vinaigrette. Another delightful use for Beech leaves is the creation of Beech leaf gin, a distinctive and easy-to-prepare liqueur.

To craft herbal oils or macerations, you can use dried herbs and follow these steps:

1. Place the desired plant matter in a clear jar and cover it with organic olive oil or sunflower oil. For massage oils that absorb more easily into the skin, consider using cold-pressed almond oil or grapeseed oil.

2. Gently prod the mixture with a chopstick to release trapped air and then position it in a sunny window for two weeks. Remember to shake or stir the mixture every few days to prevent mold growth.

3. After two weeks, strain the mixture through clean muslin and transfer it to a sterilized dark bottle. Ensure proper labeling with the plant's name, location, and the date.

For tree or flower essences, which enable connection to the energetic qualities of the tree at a subtle level, consider the following steps:

1. Sit beneath the chosen tree and meditate, appreciating its presence.

2. Place a bowl filled halfway with spring water beneath the tree.

3. Retire to a distance and engage in stillness or creative activities like free-flow writing or drawing.

4. Once you feel the essence is ready, which can take minutes to an hour, remove any tree parts from the water, pour the infused water into a dark bottle containing half spring water and half brandy. This becomes your Mother Essence.

5. Label the bottle with the tree's name, location, and the Mother Essence symbol (a circle with a diagonal line across it). Spend time with the essence to anchor its effects.

To prepare tree liqueurs featuring Beech, Blackthorn, Crab Apple, Hawthorn, or Rowan, follow these steps:

1. Fill a wide-necked jar one-third full with either leaves or fruit that has been pricked with a clean pin.

2. Add sugar (or honey) until the jar is half full, then top it off with a high-quality spirit like brandy, gin, or whiskey. Feel free to experiment by incorporating additional herbs or spices for different flavors.

3. Shake the jar every few days for three months.

4. After three months, strain the liqueur, avoiding any squeezing, and rebottle it in clean containers.

Please exercise caution when consuming nuts or using plant materials in any preparations and ensure proper labeling and storage for safety.