Overview
Fagus sylvatica is European beech (common beech), a large deciduous tree growing 50-80 feet (15-24 m) tall and 40-60 feet (12-18 m) wide with a broad spreading dense canopy and smooth pale gray bark. Dark green glossy ovate leaves 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) with wavy (undulate) margins. Turns golden-bronze to copper in fall. Marcescent — dead leaves persist through winter on hedged and young specimens, dropping when new growth emerges in spring. Beechnuts (triangular, 0.5-0.75 inch / 1.3-2 cm) in spiny husks ripen in October — edible. In Fagaceae. Native to central and western Europe. The massive size at maturity is the primary limitation for residential properties. Shallow dense root system — heavy shade and shallow roots prevent most plants from growing underneath. Does not tolerate wet or compacted soil. Salt-sensitive. Beech bark disease (scale insect + Neonectria fungi complex) kills large trees in northeastern North America. Many cultivars: 'Purpurea' (purple leaves), 'Pendula' (weeping), 'Dawyck' (columnar). Non-toxic. Zones 4-8. Full sun to partial shade. Growth rate is slow to moderate.
Native Range
Native to central and western Europe — from southern England to Ukraine, Scandinavia to the Mediterranean. Dominant forest tree in many European woodlands.Suggested Uses
Grown as a specimen tree in parks and large estates (40-60 feet / 12-18 m lateral space required), and as formal hedges (marcescent — year-round screen). Many cultivars for smaller sites ('Dawyck' columnar, 'Pendula' weeping). Non-toxic. Zones 4-8.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height50' - 80'
Width/Spread40' - 60'
Reaches mature size in approximately 20 years
Bloom Information
Mid spring (April-May). Inconspicuous greenish flowers — male in pendulous clusters, female in small erect pairs. 1 week. Wind-pollinated. Beechnuts in spiny husks ripen October.Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Dark green, glossy, ovate with wavy (undulate) margins, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long; turns golden-bronze to copper in fall; marcescent — dead leaves persist on the tree through winter, especially on hedged or young specimensGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun to partial shade (4-8 hours). Well-drained soil pH 5.5-7.5. Does not tolerate wet, compacted, or salt-affected soil. Shallow dense root system — do not plant where root competition with lawns or beds is a concern. Beech bark disease in northeastern North America. Prune hedges in late summer (August-September). Non-toxic. Zones 4-8.Pruning
Prune hedges in late summer (August-September) — the marcescent leaves on hedged specimens persist through winter for a year-round screen. For tree form, develop a single central leader. Remove dead or crossing branches in summer. Do not prune in spring (sap bleeding).Pruning Schedule
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