English Lowlands beech forests just one biogeographic province in the Palearctic Realm, which he termed British Islands. Historically, much of this lowland and submontane region was covered with high-canopy forests dominated by European beech ("Fagus sylvatica"), but also including other species of tree, including oak, ash, rowan and yew. In summer, the forests are generally cool and dark, because the beech produces a dense canopy, and thus restricts the growth of other species of tree and wild flowers. In the spring, however, thick carpets of bluebells can be found, flourishing before the beech leafs out and shades the forest floor. The National Vegetation Classification
Luzula sylvatica fruit is a 3-valved capsule containing three oblong seeds. Each seed is indistinctly reticulate, often with a caruncle (a basal or apical appendage); seeds tend to germinate close to their parent plant. "Luzula sylvatica" has a wide distribution, and is native to Europe (the European temperate element of flora ) and southwest Asia - including the British Isles where "L. sylvatica" populations are widespread stable, apart from a decline in central and south east England. There is one record of "L. sylvatica" from Washington State, United States of America. Usually growing in partial to full shade, "Luzula sylvatica" tends to