About
A slow-growing deciduous tree - to around 25m in height. Turning dark yellow, they are joined by the inconspicuous flowers as they become small, bristly-cased nuts in autumn. They are green above and paler on their lower surface and the long stems allow them to twist, showing both colours. Its leaves (and its nuts), as its name suggests, have long stalks. The bark is smooth silver-grey.
About the genus
Fagus are large deciduous trees with smooth grey bark, ovate leaves colouring well in autumn, and inconspicuous flowers followed by usually spiny fruits
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural
ToxicityPets (dogs): Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationSuitable for large gardens. Grow in any deep fertile soil in good light. For more information see tree cultivation.
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed. For more advice see our information on how to propagate from seed (tree/shrub
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and beech bark scale
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to beech bark disease, fungi (particulary bracket fungi) and powdery mildews. Sometimes susceptible to honey fungus