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Nothofagus dombeyi
Dombey's Southern Beech
Chile, Argentina (Valdivian temperate rainforests; 34-43°S; sea level to 4000 ft / 1200 m)
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Overview
Nothofagus dombeyi is an evergreen tree reaching 40-70 feet (12-21 m) tall in cultivation (to 130 feet / 40 m in habitat) with a spread of 25-40 feet (7.6-12 m) and a broadly conical to rounded crown. Native to Chile and Argentina, this is the largest and fastest-growing southern beech commonly cultivated in temperate gardens. The alternate, simple leaves are 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) long, narrowly ovate to elliptic, glossy dark green, leathery, with finely serrate margins. New growth emerges bright green. The canopy is dense and layered. Tiny wind-pollinated flowers are inconspicuous in spring. Growth rate is moderate to fast. Hardy to zone 8. The evergreen habit and dense layered canopy distinguish this from the deciduous southern beeches. Can be damaged or defoliated by hard frost below 15°F (-9°C).
Native Range
Nothofagus dombeyi is native to Chile and Argentina, in Valdivian temperate rainforests from 34°S to 43°S, from sea level to 4,000 feet (1,200 m) elevation.Suggested Uses
Planted as a specimen evergreen tree, screen, or in woodland plantings at 20-30 foot (6-9 m) spacing. The dense evergreen canopy and fast growth provide year-round structure. Suitable for mild oceanic climates. Can be damaged by hard frost below 15°F (-9°C). Not suitable for cold climates below zone 8, hot dry climates, alkaline soils, or exposed inland sites.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height40' - 70'
Width/Spread25' - 40'
Reaches mature size in approximately 30 years
Bloom Information
Tiny, inconspicuous wind-pollinated flowers in spring. Small 3-valved seed husks. Neither flowers nor fruit are conspicuous.Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Glossy dark green; narrowly ovate to elliptic 1-1.5 inches; leathery; finely serrate; new growth bright greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun in moist, well-drained, acidic soil (pH 5.0-6.5). Hardy to zone 8. Shelter from cold drying winter winds—can be damaged below 15°F (-9°C). Prefers cool, moist oceanic climates. Fast growth for a broadleaf evergreen tree. Does not tolerate hot dry summers, alkaline soils, or prolonged hard frost. Relatively pest-free.Pruning
Minimal pruning needed. Remove dead or damaged branches in late spring after frost risk passes. Train as a single-trunk tree when young. The dense layered canopy forms naturally.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late spring