Stream Corner

The common beech is widespread in western, central and southern Europe, but absent in the northern and eastern parts with severe winters. In the mountains, it occurs even at elevations above 1000 metres. It is a shade-tolerant and vigorous tree that frequently grows in pure stands, but also occurs in mixed stands together with the spruce and fir, and, at lower altitudes, with the oak, hornbeam, and other broad-leaved trees. It attains a height of 30 to 40 metres and develops a long, smooth, silver-grey trunk with a high broad crown. The pointed buds are elongate, measuring 15 to 20 mm in length, and stand away from the twig.

The leaves are alternate. Beech woods are a lovely sight, in spring with their fresh green foliage, and in autumn when the leaves have turned a golden bronze. The male and female flowers appear in May, the seeds - polished red- brown nuts mature in October, dropping to the ground, where they are eaten by forest animals. In former times pigs were herded into beech woods to feed on the nuts.

The hard, tough and flexible wood is used for interior woodwork, for wheels and also as fuel. The sap is used by the cosmetic industry, and the bark for dressing skins.

The common alder is widespread throughout most of Europe, extending from Spain to Scandinavia and eastward far into Siberia. It tolerates very moist soils, and is found mainly on the banks of rivers, beside brooks and ponds, and in swampy situations. It is most plentiful in the lowlands, occurring in the mountains up to elevations of about 700 metres. It attains heights up to 30 metres, sometimes more, and develops a straight bole with black-brown bark breaking up into plates.

It is easily recognized in winter by the narrowly ovoid, stalked, violet-brown buds. The broad obovate leaves arc sticky in spring. The Lowers, arranged in catkins, are already formed by the autumn and open in early spring (March), the female ones developing by autumn into woody cones with small winged nutlets. These are equipped with buoyant tissues that enable them to be carried great distances by air or water.

The nuts, which are very tasty, are used by confectioners and also eaten roasted. The tree requires a mild climate and adequate moisture for good growth and a good nut harvest. It is sensitive to late spring and early autumn frosts, is intolerant of lime, and under forest conditions does well even in moderate shade. The high quality, durable wood is used to make furniture, barrels, fencing and also provides tannin.