Fagus japonica

Fagus japonica is a deciduous tree in the beech family, Fagaceae. Its common names include Japanese beech and Japanese blue beech. Kew places its native range in central and southern Japan. Plants For A Future describes it in mountain habitats there. That source also lists Korea in its wider distribution account. This tree comes from a temperate climate. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

The tree grows slowly and can reach 72 feet [22 metres]. Plants For A Future lists it for a woodland garden canopy. Its roots feed near the soil surface. Its crown casts deep shade over the ground below. Together, the roots and shade can limit nearby plant growth. Ground beneath groups of these trees may hold little other growth. Each tree bears both male and female flowers. Wind carries the pollen between the flowers.

Light sandy soil or medium loam suits this species. It needs good drainage and fares poorly in heavy, wet soil. It grows on chalk and accepts mildly acid to mildly alkaline conditions. Plants For A Future lists both dry and moist soils as suitable. It also reports growth in sun, partial shade, or deep shade. Young trees tolerate shade well, but late frost can harm them. A sheltered woodland site helps protect young growth from frost.

Plants For A Future gives a USDA hardiness range of 4–8. Cold tolerance alone does not ensure good growth in Britain. The species needs warmer summers than Britain usually provides. Growth there can be very slow, and planting may disappoint. Seed loses its ability to sprout within a short time. Sow fresh seed in autumn and protect it from mice. It should sprout the next spring. Seedlings need protection through their first winter and from late frosts.

Young leaves can be eaten raw while still tender. They soon toughen and become less useful for food. The seeds can be eaten raw or cooked. They also yield edible oil and can be ground into flour. Roasted seeds can serve as a coffee substitute. Plants For A Future advises against eating large amounts raw. Its hazard note gives no confirmed toxicity report for this species. It lists no known medicinal uses.