A beautiful tree with an enormous spreading crown when mature, although often used in hedgerows rather than allowed to grow to its full height. Trees, especially young trees and hedges, retain their leaves in winter. The beech tree is native to southern England. It has oval leaves which are yellow green when young, quickly turning a shiny green. In Autumn they become a rich orange brown. The trunk of the beech tree is smooth and grey in colour The twigs of the beech tree are brown, slightly bendy and have very characteristic narrow pointed buds. Its wood is used for making furniture and it is often found in forests with oak. Picture taken at Stagsden, Bedfordshire - mid February 2006.