Fagus sylvatica var. atropurpurea atropurpurea 'Pendula', weeping copper beech
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Broadleaf Deciduous Trees

Fagus sylvatica var. atropurpurea atropurpurea 'Pendula'

weeping copper beech

Fagaceae

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

At a Glance

TypeTree
HabitSpreading
FoliageDeciduous
Height25-45 feet (7.5-14 m)
Width40-60 feet (12-18 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 var. atropurpurea 'Pendula' (weeping copper beech) combines the two most theatrical ornamental qualities of European beech — deep purple foliage and a strongly weeping habit — into a single specimen of extraordinary character. It is arguably the most dramatic garden tree available in temperate horticulture. The smooth pale silver-gray bark of all beeches anchors a crown of strongly pendulous branches that cascade to the ground and sweep along it, clothed throughout summer in rich purple-burgundy foliage. In maturity the pendulous branches create a vast enclosed cathedral-like space beneath the canopy — a deep purple curtained room — unlike anything else a garden tree can offer. Height reaches 25–45 feet (7.5–14 m); spread on old specimens can be enormous — 40–60 feet (12–18 m) or more as pendulous branches sweep outward along the ground. Leaves emerge copper-crimson in spring, deepen to rich purple-burgundy in summer (full sun is essential for maximum color — shade causes fading to bronze-green), and transition to warm copper-bronze in fall. A critical training requirement applies: the central leader must be staked upright in the first 10–15 years. Without this, the tree spreads horizontally as a low purple mound rather than ascending to create the tall weeping specimen with the enclosed space beneath. Each tree develops somewhat differently, meaning no two weeping copper beeches are identical in ultimate form — a living sculpture unique to each garden.

Native Range

Fagus sylvatica var. atropurpurea 'Pendula' is a cultivar of garden origin combining the purple-leaved variety with the weeping habit. The species is native to central and western Europe.

Suggested Uses

The single most visually dramatic specimen tree available for large PNW gardens, parks, and estates. The combination of deep purple summer foliage and pendulous curtain of branches reaching to the ground creates an effect unmatched by any other commonly grown tree — the enclosed purple space beneath mature specimens is one of the great theatrical experiences in garden design. Best as a lone specimen in a large open lawn where it can be viewed from multiple distances and approached to enter the enclosed space beneath. Allow at minimum 50 feet (15 m) of clear space in all directions. Stake the leader diligently for 10–15 years — this single decision determines whether the tree reaches its full potential. The PNW maritime climate produces outstanding specimens.

How to Identify

Identified by the combination of three features: smooth pale silver-gray bark (characteristic of all Fagus sylvatica, unchanged even on old trunks), strongly pendulous branches cascading to the ground, and rich purple to burgundy-copper foliage throughout summer. Leaves emerge copper-crimson in spring, deepen to purple-burgundy in full sun, and turn copper-bronze in fall; wavy-margined, 2–4 inches (5–10 cm), with 5–9 pairs of parallel veins. Cigar-shaped pointed buds ¾ inch (19 mm) in winter on bare weeping stems. Distinguished from the green weeping beech ('Pendula') by purple (not green) summer foliage; from upright purple beeches by the fully pendulous cascading habit.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height25' - 45'
Width/Spread40' - 60'

Reaches mature size in approximately 40 years

Colors

Flower Colors

green

Foliage Colors

purple

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 — inconspicuous, same as the species. Beech nuts (mast) in spiny four-valved husks ripen in October in mast years. Fall color transitions from summer purple-burgundy through warm copper-bronze in October through November. Marcescence (dead copper-brown leaves retained on pendulous branches through winter) adds subtle winter interest.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

inconspicuous (wind-pollinated)

Foliage Description

copper-crimson in spring; deep purple-burgundy in summer (full sun essential); copper-bronze in fall; copper-brown marcescent leaves retained on weeping branches through winter

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Requires 6-12 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 moist, well-drained, fertile soil in full sun — full sun is doubly important for this tree, as it is needed both for the weeping form to display fully and for the purple foliage color to reach its maximum depth. Avoid soil compaction, waterlogging, and road salt — same sensitivity as the species. The most critical cultural task in early years is staking the central leader upright: tie the main stem firmly to a tall stake for the first 10–15 years. Without an upright scaffold trunk, the tree spreads as a low horizontal mound rather than ascending. Once the desired trunk height is established, the cascading branches develop naturally. Allow generous space — the ultimate spread can reach 40–60 feet (12–18 m) on old specimens. Prune in August through September only — the critical timing shared by all beeches.

Pruning

Prune in August through September — never in spring (heavy sap bleeding, disease entry). The primary intervention is staking the central leader upright in early years — this is training, not pruning. Once the desired trunk height is established, remove only dead or damaged branches. Do not prune back the pendulous branches; they are the defining ornamental feature. Wear gloves when working near the dense curtain of branches on mature specimens.

Pruning Schedule

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summerfall

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic
Fagus sylvatica var. atropurpurea 'Pendula' (weeping copper beech) - Identification & Care Guide | PlantRef