Only about 11 percent of Denmark is covered with forests, but perhaps the most prevalent type of forest is the oak-beech forest, which is dominated by the Pendunculate oak, (Quercus robur) and the European Beech (Fagus sylvatica), the national tree of Denmark. Today, still standing in a few wild places are the remnants of the majestic trees. The pendunculate oak of Denmark is the same tree that once was so widespread in southern England.
The Scotch Pine (Pinus sylvestris) once grew across much of northern Europe, including Denmark, often in association with the silver birch (Betula pendula). In Scotland, where the pine is the national symbol, much of the pine forest was eliminated to use as timber or firewood and to make way for pastureland. The same thing happened in Denmark, but to a greater extent. Currently, the Danes are trying to reestablish the country's only native pine in small select areas.
Denmark has 48 species of orchids that are found within the borders. The most common is the Broad-leaved marsh orchid, which can be found growing throughout the country. Other commonly found orchids include the pyramidal orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis), coralwood (Corallorhiza trifida), the common spotted orchid (Dactylorhiza maculata), northern marsh orchid (Dactylorhiza purpurella) and the dark-red Helleborine (Epipactis actrorubens). One popular place to observe wild orchids is the Isle of Mon, located just south of Copenhagen, the capitol city. Another location for wild orchids is situated very near Copenhagen in the Gentofte Municipality.
The Danish Lime tree (Tilia cordata) is very similar to the North American basswood tree. Often called a linden, in Europe, this medium-sized tree has become more commonplace in Denmark's patchwork forested countryside. Prized for its high-quality honey this tree does well in the disturbed land that often occurs at the edge of farm fields and pastures.
The national tree of Denmark is the European Beech, which very much resembles the American Beech. The tree has smooth gray bark, serrated single leaves that turn a copper brown in the fall. Large specimens of this stately tree are often found on private estates and hunting grounds, where they have lived for hundreds of years. In the forest this beech grows next to the oak and does not reach such an immense size as it does when planted in the open.
