Fagus sylvatica (European Beech)

Native to Central and Southern Europe, Fagus sylvatica (European Beech) is a beautiful, large, deciduous tree with a densely pyramidal to rounded-spreading crown. Its foliage of broadly elliptic, lustrous leaves (4 in. long or 10 cm), is pale green when young, dark green when mature, and turns rich russet and golden brown colors in the fall. Branching to the ground, its smooth, gray bark is truly stunning in the winter landscape. In mid-late spring, small, yellow-green flowers are on display. They are followed by bristly fruits, which ripen in the fall and are edible. Smaller and more amenable than Fagus grandifolia (American Beech), European Beech has been widely planted in Europe and North America for centuries. It makes a superb shade tree or specimen tree for a large landscape. Excellent for hedges and screens.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Grows up to 50-60 ft. tall (15-18 m) and 35-50 ft. wide (10-15 m)
• A full sun or part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in deep, rich, moist, well-drained soils. Intolerant of wet, poorly drained soils.
• Perfect as a specimen plant or for hedges or screens.
• Low maintenance, this beautiful tree is not subject to serious insect or disease issues. Watch for aphids, Japanese beetles, caterpillars, Beech scale, coral spot, and heart and root rot in mature trees. Deer resistant.
• Propagate by seed. Difficult to transplant.
• Native to Central and Southern Europe.