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Buy Fagus sylvatica

Also Known As

European Beech

Plant type

tree

size

H: 60'-80'
W: 35'-45'

planting zones

4a-8b

1 gallon | $49

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35 at Forestfarm

2 inch wide, 4-6 inch deep tube | $29.95

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Fewer than 27 at Forestfarm

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Fagus sylvatica plant details

Fagus sylvatica is a broadleaf deciduous tree with green foliage. green flowers emerge. Grows well with sun and regular water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in acidic, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something pollution tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Fagus sylvatica

Plant type: tree
Plant family: fagaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 35 FT - 45 FT - wide, 60 FT - 80 FT - tall
Flowers: green blooms
Uses: distinctive bark, fall color, hedge, shade tree

GROWING CONDITIONS for Fagus sylvatica

USDA Zones: 4a - 8b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: pollution and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: acidic, rich and well-drained

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Nursery contributed plant descriptions

The European Beech and its varieties should be at the top of everyone's list of desirable large shade trees. This dense, upright oval or wide spreading tree typically reaches 50-60' (uncommonly up to 100'). Glossy dark-green leaves up to 4" long have prominent veins. Inconspicuous yellow-green flowers become edible beechnuts in the autumn. The foliage becomes a rich golden-copper in autumn. Fagus trees make a splendid specimen for large gardens or parks. S-PSh/M

By: Forestfarm

European beech is one of the most popular hedge types in the world. It is easy to grow and beautiful year-round. It is deer-resistant and grows in a wide variety of soil types. It can grow in full sun to nearly full shade. In winter, the copper-colored leaves cling to the branches to provide winter screening. It has beautiful fall color and is a great choice for a classic hedge look. European beech branches are smooth and gray so they are attractive even when more visible in winter. They make great habitats for birds to nest. European beech is easy to grow as it tolerates a wide range of conditions. It grows well in USDA Zones 5-8 and thrives in full sun to nearly full shade. It can handle various soil types including heavy clay, but does not favor overly wet environments. It is good to protect the roots with a thick layer of mulch each fall. It has a moderate growth rate, reaching up to 2’ of growth per year in ideal conditions. It can easily be maintained anywhere from 4’ tall to 12’ tall as a hedge.

By: Conifer Kingdom

The naturally large European beech is well-known as a towering deciduous tree, but it also can be shaped into a stunning hedge. The tree’s leaves change color with the passing seasons, which make it an attractive hedge in many outdoor spaces. There are a number of immediate benefits to choosing the European Beech for your next hedge: Makes a uniquely attractive hedge with heavy pruning Tolerates a wider range of soils than other beeches Low-branched habit makes it suitable for hedging As a large tree, the European beech works especially well in expansive outdoor spaces. It has an attractive upright-oval to rounded-spreading crown when left alone and can be pruned to any desired hedge style. Native to the woodlands of central and southern Europe, this beech was brought to America by colonists in the mid-1700s and has remained a popular ornamental tree ever since. As a low-branched beech, with a trunk ranging from 2 to 4 feet in diameter, it works especially well for hedging. The European beech has a lovely bark that is smooth and silver-gray. The tree’s foliage turns bronze in fall and blooms with yellow-green flowers in the early spring. The male flowers in drooping globular clusters and the female flowers in short spikes, which fruit to edible beechnuts.

By: Instant Hedge

The grand patriarch of specimen trees. Generations of horticulturists have selected a rich assortment of beautiful cultivars that are grafted onto rootstocks such as these.

By: Heritage Seedlings

Beech is a very popular ornamental tree in the United States. It is widely planted as a shade tree. With its changing colors, European Beech remains a beautiful tree all year-round. Its leaves are a shimmering green when unfolding, then turning to a darker green in summer. In the fall, the leaves turn a rich russet brown. This beech prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun.

By: Oregon Grown Tree Farm

The classic, statuesque beech of Gothic novels. Somewhat spreading or columnar, growing 60-80' tall. Known for its fall color, F. sylvatica turns a coppery yellow and orange each year. Not only a fabulous specimen shade tree but also excellent for hedging. The bark is gray and smooth, developing an elephant hide appearance with age. Withstands a variety of soil conditions as long as it is well drained but prefers slightly acidic soil. Plant purple leaved varieties in full sun and the yellow-leaved varieties in partial shade. Does not do well with extreme heat.

By: Greer Gardens Inc.

Fagus sylvatica plant details

CHARACTERISTICS OF Fagus sylvatica

GROWING CONDITIONS for Fagus sylvatica

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

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How to Grow Fagus sylvatica

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