About
Dense, columnar, deciduous tree about 15-20m tall, with bright golden-yellow young foliage, becoming paler yellow-green in summer, yellow-brown in autumn. Flowers inconspicuous; fruit bristly.
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
AspectNorth-facing, South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Architectural
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
PropagationPropagate by 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