Japanese beech
Fagus crenata

Family: Fagaceae

What it is like

A deciduous tree. It grows 9 m tall and spreads 6 m wide. The bark is grey. The leaves are oval. They are pale green underneath and have wavy edges when young. The edges of the leaves and the veins underneath are furry.

There are 10 Fagus species. They grow in northern temperate regions.

Where it is found

Temperate. It suits hardiness zones 6-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Japan

How it is used for food

The seeds have been processed into flour in times of food shortage.

Edible parts

Coffee, leaves, oil, seeds

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Buna-no-ki

Synonyms

Fagus asiatica H.J.P.Winkl. [Illegitimate]; Fagus asiatica Koehne; Fagus crenata var. grandifolia Nakai; Fagus ferruginea Siebold [Invalid]; Fagus sieboldii Endl. ex A.DC.; Fagus sieboldii Endl.; Fagus sylvatica var. sieboldii (Endl. ex A.DC.) Maxim.; Fagus winkleriana Koidz.;