The European beech(Fagus sylvatica) is the most common tree species in Central Europe.

The copper beech develops a natural dominance in many locations, it is a K-strategist (K-strategists remain with the number of their individuals at their capacity limit, ensure a lower number of offspring with higher chances of survival) and in addition a so-called climax tree species, i.e. a tree species that occurs in the final stage of a natural succession of a forest.

Its competitive strength comes from its high shade tolerance (the ability to germinate and form young growth despite a dense canopy). Heavy shading has a negative effect on young growth and growth can continue into old age.

The copper beech currently occupies around 16% of the forest area, making it the most common deciduous tree species. Nevertheless, it is much rarer than would be possible by nature.

The speed at which the climate is changing can be problematic for forests. Trees are very long-lived, so they need a very long time to adapt to changing environmental conditions. If the environmental conditions change on a large scale and relatively quickly - as is the case with climate change - the trees are weakened and, ultimately, the forest ecosystem can be disrupted.

Sources:

Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (ed.) (2014): Federal Forest Inventory 3 at: https: //bmel-statistik.de/fileadmin/SITE_MASTER/content/Holz-und_Forstwirtschaft/Bundeswaldinventur3.pdf (last accessed on 08.05.23)

Aas, Gregor (n.d.): Die Rotbuche (Fagus sylvatica): Verwandtschaft, Morphologie, Verbreitung und Ökologie.