Fagus sylvatica 'Pendula', weeping beech
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Broadleaf Deciduous Trees

Fagus sylvatica 'Pendula'

weeping beech

Fagaceae

Cultivar of garden origin; species native to central and western Europe

At a Glance

TypeTree
HabitSpreading
FoliageDeciduous
Height25-50 feet (7.5-15 m)
Width30-80 feet (9-24 m)
Maturity40 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 8
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Overview

Fagus sylvatica 'Pendula' (weeping beech) is a large deciduous tree of extraordinary architectural character — one of the most dramatic weeping trees in cultivation. It shares the smooth pale silver-gray bark, glossy wavy-edged leaves, and cigar-shaped winter buds of the European beech species, but has an entirely different growth habit: all branches are strongly pendulous, cascading downward and outward from the main trunk, eventually reaching the ground and sweeping along it. The effect is of a living waterfall — a great curtain of foliage flowing from the crown to the earth, and in maturity the pendulous branches create a cathedral-like enclosed space beneath the canopy that is one of the most memorable experiences in any large garden. Each weeping beech develops somewhat differently depending on early training, site conditions, and age, meaning no two specimens are identical. Height ranges from 25–50 feet (7.5–15 m), but the spread is often far greater — old specimens can reach 50–80 feet (15–24 m) or more across, with their sweeping skirts of branches. A critical training note: the central leader must be staked upright in the first 10–15 years; if allowed to lean or weep without an upright scaffold, the tree spreads outward without gaining height, producing a low sprawling mound rather than a tall weeping specimen. Leaves are glossy dark green in summer, turning warm copper-bronze in fall; marcescence (copper-brown dead leaf retention through winter) occurs on the pendulous branches. Great Plant Picks endorsed.

Native Range

Fagus sylvatica 'Pendula' is a cultivar of garden origin, selected from naturally occurring weeping forms of European beech. The species is native to central and western Europe.

Suggested Uses

One of the most spectacular specimen trees available for large PNW gardens, parks, and estates — Great Plant Picks endorsed. The mature weeping beech creates one of the garden's most theatrical effects: the pendulous curtain of branches reaching to the ground forms an enclosed green room that visitors can walk into, a living architectural experience unlike any other commonly grown tree. Best sited as a standalone specimen with at least 50 feet (15 m) of clear space in all directions to allow full development. The PNW maritime climate produces outstanding weeping beeches — fine examples exist in Seattle's parks and throughout western Oregon. A long-term investment of the highest order: the tree improves dramatically over decades and is effectively permanent once established. Stake the leader diligently in the first 10–15 years — this single step determines whether the tree reaches its potential.

How to Identify

Identified by the combination of smooth pale silver-gray bark shared with the species plus the unmistakably pendulous branching: all branches cascade strongly downward, often reaching and sweeping along the ground in mature specimens to form a curtain-like skirt. Glossy wavy-edged leaves 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) with 5–9 pairs of parallel veins, same as the species. Slender cigar-shaped pointed buds ¾ inch (19 mm) in winter. The weeping form is distinctly different from any other commonly grown large tree. Distinguished from other weeping beeches (such as the purple weeping beech *F. sylvatica* 'Purple Fountain') by its green (not purple) foliage.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height25' - 50'
Width/Spread30' - 80'

Reaches mature size in approximately 40 years

Colors

Flower Colors

green

Foliage Colors

dark green

Fall Foliage Colors

orange
brown

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~2 weeks
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Spring
Wind-pollinated flowers emerge with the leaves in April through May — same as the species, inconspicuous and not ornamentally significant. Beech nuts in spiny four-valved husks ripen in October in mast years and fall within the drip line. Fall leaf color is warm copper-bronze in October through November; marcescence (copper-brown dead leaves retained through winter) is visible on the pendulous branches, adding winter interest.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

inconspicuous (wind-pollinated)

Foliage Description

glossy dark green in summer; copper-bronze in fall; copper-brown dead leaves retained through winter (marcescence)

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 4-10 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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamsiltclaychalk
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

30-50 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in well-drained, moist, fertile soil in full sun to light shade — same cultural requirements as the species. Tolerates clay, loam, chalk, and silt but not waterlogging, compaction, or road salt. The most important cultural task in early years is staking and training the central leader: tie the main leader firmly upright to a tall stake for the first 10–15 years. Without this, the tree spreads horizontally without ascending, producing a low mound. Once a tall, upright trunk is established (15–25+ feet / 4.5–7.5 m), the weeping branches cascade naturally with no further intervention needed. Allow significant space — the ultimate spread of 50–80 feet (15–24 m) on old specimens must be anticipated when siting. The PNW maritime climate suits this cultivar superbly.

Pruning

Prune in late summer (August through September) — same timing as the species, to avoid disease entry and bleeding sap. The primary pruning task on young trees is maintaining and extending the central leader upward by staking (not cutting). Once the desired trunk height is established, remove only dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Do not attempt to reduce the spread of pendulous branches — this is the defining ornamental feature. If a branch touches and roots into the ground, it can be removed at the connection point if ground spread is undesirable.

Pruning Schedule

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summerfall

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic