Fagus lucida

Fagus lucida is a deciduous tree in the beech family, Fagaceae. It comes from China, with Kew placing its native range in central China. Plants For A Future lists it across several Chinese provinces. It grows in mixed forests on mountain slopes. Its habitat lies at 2,625–6,560 feet [800–2,000 metres] above sea level. It can share these woods with Fagus engleriana.

This tree reaches about 49 feet [15 metres] in height. Its dense shade leaves little light for plants below. Roots feed near the soil surface and compete with nearby growth. Together, these traits can leave the ground beneath groups of trees almost bare. This makes the space below its canopy hard to plant. Plants For A Future lists it for woodland gardens. Young trees tolerate deep shade, though the species also grows in sun.

Flowers appear from April to June, and wind carries their pollen. Each tree bears both male and female flowers. Seeds ripen from October to November. Young leaves are edible raw and have a mild taste. They soon turn tough, so only the youngest leaves suit eating. Fresh growth comes in short periods in spring and midsummer. The seeds can be eaten raw or cooked, but not in large amounts. They yield an edible oil and can be ground into flour. Roasted seeds can serve as a coffee substitute.

Choose light sandy or medium loamy soil with good drainage. The tree tolerates mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline ground. It also grows on chalk, but fares poorly in heavy, wet soil. It accepts dry or moist ground. Plants For A Future gives USDA zones 5–9 for hardiness. Cold tolerance does not ensure good growth in a cool summer. The tree needs more summer heat than Britain usually provides. There, growth is very slow and results are often poor.

Late frost can harm young trees despite the species' winter hardiness. A sheltered woodland site helps protect them. Seedlings grow slowly during their first few years. Fresh seed loses viability soon, so autumn sowing is best. Mice can eat the seed and may need excluding. Plants For A Future records no known medicinal use. Its seed warning draws on concerns about other beeches, not confirmed toxicity in this species.