"Beechnuts"
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| Scientific Name: | Fagus sylvatica L. Fagus grandifolia Ehrb. |
| Author: | Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778 ), Christian Gottfried Ehrenberg (1795-1876) |
| Common Name: | Common/European Beech, American Beech |
| Plant Family: | FAGACEAE |
More than forty years are required between planting and heavy crops of beechnuts and even then the crops are irregular. This may explain why the two mature European Beech Tree cultivars, Fagus sylvatica f. purpurea and Fagus sylvatica f. laciniata that grace the lawn between the Residence Garden and the de Ferranti Shelter are our best source of beechnuts. They were planted by Alfred and Effie Brunet, possibly in the late 1940's or early 50's. Sadly, 2003 is not an abundant year.
A smaller, Fagus sylvatica, tree grows nearby; down-slope of the grass path through to the Conifer Cultivar area. Other European Beeches have been planted below the road that passes beneath the Brunet Pavilion and near the circular seat in the Residence Garden. Our two American Beeches, also yet-to-produce, are in Beds 206 and 203 and probably require a guide to find.
Fagus is a northern hemisphere genus with 10 species. Taxonomically, Northern Beeches are closely allied to the Nothofagus species, known as Southern Beeches, and you will see many of these in the Garden.
Excellent as shade trees and a timber source, our two featured species are also well known for their small beechnuts. High in energy, potassium and vitamins C and Folate, beech seeds, a.k.a. beechnuts, have a triangular, papery coat softer than that of a sunflower seed and apparently easy to remove with your teeth. Two, or occasionally three, of these seeds are contained in each spine covered woody husk or bur, known botanically as an involucre.
Need to know more about nuts? Our Autumn adventure trail focuses on nuts and culminates in The Mountain Nut Festival, here at Mount Tomah, from 12 to 18 May.
Jan Allen
Garden Information Officer