Overview
Fagus sylvatica is a spreading branched trees in the genus Fagus, part of the Fagaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around Higher than 12 metres tall and wider than 8 metres wide, reaching full size in around 20-50 years. Fagus sylvatica grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. It is a holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Suggested uses include architectural, cottage and informal garden and wildlife gardens. It is native to Europe to Caucasus.
About
Fagus sylvatica is a robust deciduous tree that can grow up to 30 meters tall, featuring a wide, expansive canopy. The leaves are broadly elliptical, displaying a yellow-green hue in the spring, which transitions to a rich golden copper or russet-brown in the autumn months. In early spring, this tree produces small green flowers, which are succeeded by bristly fruits that contain nuts.
About the genus
Fagus consists of sizable deciduous trees characterized by their smooth, grey bark and ovate leaves that display notable autumn coloration. They produce inconspicuous flowers, which are succeeded by typically spiny fruits.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Fagus
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, North-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Fagus sylvatica size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- Higher than 12 metres
- Spread
- wider than 8 metres
- Time to full height
- 20-50 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Europe to Caucasus
- Toxicity
- Pets (dogs): Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Fagus sylvatica
- Cultivation
- Tolerant 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
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1; or can be pruned as hedges
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or grafting
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids and beech bark scale
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to beech bark disease, fungi (particulary bracket fungi) and powdery mildews. Sometimes susceptible to honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Fagus sylvatica?
Tolerant 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.
Where is the best place to plant Fagus sylvatica?
Fagus sylvatica prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Fagus sylvatica need?
Fagus sylvatica is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Fagus sylvatica?
Pruning group 1; or can be pruned as hedges.
How big does Fagus sylvatica grow?
Fagus sylvatica reaches a height of Higher than 12 metres and a spread of wider than 8 metres. It takes around 20-50 years to reach full size.
Is Fagus sylvatica hardy in the UK?
Fagus sylvatica has a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Fagus sylvatica?
Propagate by seed or grafting.
Is Fagus sylvatica toxic?
Pets (dogs): Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants.