Fagus sylvatica
Botanical Name
Fagus sylvatica
Hardiness
Zones 4 to 7
Height
50 to 60 feet
Width
35 to 45 feet
Flowers
April or May: Monoecious (separate male and female flowers on the same tree), not of ornamental importance
Fruit
Two triangular nuts enclosed in a four lobed, spiky husk
Fall Color
Reddish bronze
Light
Full sun
Soil
Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic
Planting and Care
Transplant B&B in early spring
Problems
None serious if sited correctly
Varieties to Consider
'Tricolor' - variegated leaves of purple, pink and cream; provide some shade to prevent leaf scorch
'Tortuosa' - contorted trunk and branches, 15'
'Purple Fountain' - weeping, purple foliage, slow growing
'Tortuosa' - contorted trunk and branches, 15'
'Purple Fountain' - weeping, purple foliage, slow growing
Did you know?
The smooth grey bark of Beech is favored for carving hearts and initials, which are preserved indefinitely.