Beech tree

5th and 6th class are studying the Beech tree (latin name Fagus sylvatica).  The Beech is unusual in that it retains its leaves during the winter even though it is decidious.  The leaves turn brown in the autumn and are not shed.  I have shown the children that even if the wind blows or you shake the branch the leaves remain firmly attached. This also only happens when the tree is young or clipped into a hedge.  A fully grown beech tree looses its leaves like all other decidious trees.

As spring comes and the buds begin to swell the brown leaves start to drop and before long the fresh green leaves appear.