About
A large deciduous tree reaching 30 tall and possibly wider still, due to the drooping habit of its horizontal branches. It has fresh green leaves which become dark yellow-orange in autumn. Its bark, unusually, is a more rugged, dark 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
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitPendulous weeping, Spreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height8-12 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
CultivationGrow in any free-draining soil in full sun. Dislikes a dry atmosphere. For more advice see Beech cultivation
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by grafting
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to bark stripping by deer and rabbits when young, beech scale and beech red spider mite
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to fungi that cause beech heart rots and honey fungus