Beech
In the Balkans region, we can find common beech that shows some hybridisation with Oriental Beech; these hybrid trees are named Fagus sylvatica. In the southern part of Croatia, the Mediterranean, it grows only in mountain forests, at 600-1.800 m altitude. The wood of the European Beech is used in the manufacture of numerous objects and implements. Its fine and short grain makes it an easy wood to work with, easy to soak, dye (except its heartwood), varnish and glue. Steaming makes the wood even easier to machine. It has an excellent finish and is resistant to compression and splitting. It is particularly well suited for minor carpentry, particularly furniture. From chairs to parquetry (flooring) and staircases, the European Beech can do almost anything (eg. musical instruments, wooden toys, ice lolly sticks) other than heavy structural support, so long as it is not left outdoors. Common beech is also considered one of the best fire woods for fireplaces. The wood is pale to reddish-brown in colour. Beech is available with lot of knots, or with almost no knots.