Stanmore Country Park Nature Trail
Post 25: Although oak dominates the woods on Stanmore Country Park, many other tree species are found. Here are young examples of two trees that are often confused: hornbeam on the left, and beech Fagus sylvatica on the right. Side by side, it is obvious that the leaves of beech are glossier. In winter, beech is readily identified by its long, pointed buds, while in late summer the two trees bear very different fruits. The hornbeam bears bunches of winged seeds that hang down before detaching and spinning off. In contrast the large seeds, or mast, of beech are held in hairy cups, very similar to those of its close relative the sweet chestnut.

To description for post 26

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