European or Common beech trees (Fagus selvatica) can reach a height of 40 metres. They have  large dome shaped tops and wide spreading branches. Beeches grow best in clayey soils, where there is good ventilation in areas with a humid climate, and sheltered from the rigid freezing weather in winter. They are frequently found in Central and Western Europe where they are an important tree-species in the woods. The beech tree is not only a very useful tree (furniture, flooring, railroad ties, cellulose) it is also a popular ornamental tree.