The European beech (Fagus sylvatica) is a majestic tree with mottled gray bark, and numerous cultivars have been selected for some outstanding characteristics.
Columnar forms offer green ('Dawyck'), purple/red ('Dawyck Purple' & 'Red Obelisk') or gold ('Dawyck Gold') leaves. Weeping forms can be upright ('Purple Fountain') or low mounding ('Pupurea Pendula'). 'Riversii' is a dramatic tree with dark purple leaves, growing moderately fast (6'/10 years). Another large beech with deep purple foliage is 'Spaethiana.' These last two trees hold the purple leaf color better through the summer than other cultivars.
Tricolor beeches have been developed under two names, 'Purpurea Tricolor' and 'Roseomarginata.' According to some authorities, these two have become confused in the trade, and are difficult to tell apart.
The leaves of these trees are green, purple/pink and creamy white, and they glow when backlit just right on a sunny day.
A massive 'Tortuosa Atro' sits along the path at the nursery. This slow-growing form is 14 feet tall and 23 feet wide, with deep purple leaves.
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Fagus sylvatica 'Tortuosa Atro' leaves emerge from buds
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Beeches have been popular in Europe for centuries, and stunning allees and hedges (for example, a beech hedge in Scotland) have been created. Send us a photo of your favorite beech. Or come take a walk at the nursery and see some of our beautiful trees.
