About
Fagus sylvatica, the common beech, is one of Britain's most majestic native deciduous trees, reaching up to 30 m tall with a broad, spreading crown and smooth, silver-grey bark. The broadly elliptic leaves emerge a fresh yellow-green in spring, turn rich golden copper in autumn and, on young hedging plants, persist as russet-brown through winter. Small, green flowers appear in spring followed by bristly husks containing edible nuts.
About the genus
Fagus, the beeches, are large, long-lived deciduous trees with smooth, silver-grey bark, oval, toothed leaves that colour richly in autumn, and inconspicuous flowers followed by prickly husks containing edible nuts. Magnificent specimen and woodland trees.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, North-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurope to Caucasus
ToxicityPets (dogs): Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationTolerant of a range of soils including chalk, grow in full sun or partial shade. For best colour, position in full sun. For more information see beech cultivation
PruningPruning group 1; or can be pruned as hedges
PropagationPropagate by seed or grafting
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