Hayata’s Beech

Scientific name: Fagus pashanica

Overview

This profile uses Hayata’s Beech for the mainland Chinese species Fagus pashanica. Kew accepts it separately from Taiwan’s Fagus hayatae, although older treatments placed the mainland trees within that species. The distinction matters for collectors: a label reading only “Hayata’s Beech” is insufficient to determine which taxon a wood sample represents.

Quick Facts

  • Common Name: Hayata’s Beech (mainland Chinese taxon in this profile)
  • Scientific Name: Fagus pashanica
  • Family: Fagaceae
  • Native Range: China, including Sichuan and Zhejiang
  • Synonym: Fagus hayatae subsp. pashanica
  • Wood Type: Temperate hardwood
  • Average Dried Weight: Reliable species-specific value not established
  • Janka Hardness: Reliable species-specific value not established

Identification Characteristics

Documented origin and botanical material are essential to distinguish this mainland beech from Fagus hayatae. Older descriptions of a broadly defined Fagus hayatae may include both taxa and should be interpreted with care. Wood color and ordinary beech grain are insufficient for a confident species determination.

Key identification traits include:

  • Deciduous Fagus tree native to mainland China.
  • Smooth bark, elongated buds and veined leaves characteristic of the beech genus.
  • Beechnuts borne within a cupule.
  • Mainland provenance supports identification but should be checked against a botanical voucher.

Working Properties

Species-specific machining, shrinkage and durability data are limited. Treat general beech guidance as a starting point and test the actual stock before committing to a project.

  • Use sharp tools and trial cuts to assess tearout and surface quality.
  • Dry slowly, seal end grain and check for checking or distortion.
  • Acclimate before final sizing; test glue joints and finishes on offcuts.
  • Use indoors unless decay resistance or a protective treatment has been independently established.

Safety Note

Use effective dust extraction and suitable respiratory and eye protection when machining or sanding. Wood dust can irritate the skin and respiratory tract; stop work if a reaction develops.

Common Uses

A dependable species-specific commercial use history is not established here. Authenticated specimens are most useful for botanical comparison; practical woodworking applications require tests on the available material.

  • Reference wood specimens and comparative beech anatomy.
  • Research documenting mainland and Taiwan beech taxonomy.
  • Small experimental indoor craft pieces from legally obtained material.

Sustainability & Notes

Use documented, legally sourced material and avoid collecting from protected forest populations. Review conservation and harvest records under Fagus pashanica as well as its older Fagus hayatae names. Do not infer availability or conservation status from the broader common name.

Comparative Notes & Related Species

Related Guides

Compare Wood Properties

See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.

Collector Notes

Keep the mainland locality and taxonomic history with the specimen. Record whether the source used Fagus pashanica, Fagus hayatae subsp. pashanica or another older treatment. Preserve any voucher details and foliage photographs; label uncertain specimens cautiously rather than merging them with Taiwan Beech.

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Wood Sample Collection

This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.

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Resources

Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:

• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/

• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/

• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/

• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/

• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/

Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.

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Availability & Where to Buy

Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.

As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.

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