Annex > Phenological phases > Beech

Phenological phases

European beech (Fagus silvatica L.)

Leaf appearance

Closed buds

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The defined stage of leaf appearance

The buds have flushed and the green of the new leaves are clearly visible.

beech_leaf_02 beech_leaf_03

After the defined stages of leaf appearance

The new leaves are unfolded and the leaf blade is fully visible.

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Photos: Erwin Ulrich

Flowering

The flowers of male (staminate) inflorescence (hanging catkins) are open and begin to release yellow pollen. (On windy days the release of pollen is visible).

Male flowering

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Photo: Robert Bruegger

Female flowering

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Photo: Robert Bruegger

Autumn colouring in European beech

Leaves have changed their colour from green to yellow, yellow-brown or red-brown. Often single leaves are only partly autumn coloured. The estimation on autumn colouring refers to the whole leaf area of the tree, including the leaves that have already fallen down during the colouring period, in relation to the state before colouring starts.

Autumn colouration

beech_colouring_01

Photo: Astrid Vasella