Description

Leaves: Alternate; simple; ovate; 2" to 4" long, 1-1/2" to 2-1/2" wide; deciduous; entire or with few, small teeth; acuminate apex; shiny dark-green above, lighter green beneath; 5 to 9 pairs of veins; glabrous when mature; petiole 1/4" to 1/2" long; fall color very attractive golden-yellow to reddish-orange.

Twigs/buds: Twigs thin; zig-zag from bud to bud; glabrous; light gray and somewhat shiny when mature.  Terminal and lateral buds 3/4" to 1" long; brown; sharply pointed; with many overlapping scales.

Flowers/fruit: Monoecious.  Flowers inconspicuous, in small groups appearing as leaves open.  Fruit a triangular, 5/8" long, edible nut, 2 to 3 enclosed in a woody, 4-part bur; matures in one year.

Bark: Thin; smooth; beautiful dark gray color; roughens some with old age.

Wood: Very important timber tree in Europe; light colored; growth rings distinct; wider rays easily visible; diffuse-porous; strong; heavy; used for flooring, tool handles, furniture.

General: Native to Europe, but widely planted in cooler climates around the world.  Likes cool, moist, but not wet sites.  I have noticed, however, that it can stand some heat and and moderately dry conditions.  Prefers acid soils but tolerates moderately high soil pH.  Very shade tolerant.

Landscape Use: Beeches are beautiful large trees that should be planted more often.  They stand shady spots or full sun equally well.  Many cultivars are available that vary greatly in canopy form, leaf color and shape, and branch character.  Zones 4-7.

Cultivars: 'Ansorgei', 'Asplenifolia', 'Atropunicea', 'Aurea Pendula', 'Black Swan', 'Cockleshell', 'Dawyck Gold', 'Dawyck Purple', 'Fastigiata', 'Franken', 'Mercedes', 'Pendula', 'Purple Fountain', 'Red Obelisk', 'Riversii', 'Rotundifolia', 'Tricolor'.

Characteristics