European beech
Fagus sylvatica
RHS AGM 1993
USDA zones4 to 7
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size50 to 60 feet tall35 to 50 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Habit
- Dense
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Yellowish-green
- Foliage color
- Brown/copper, gold/yellow
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
European beech (Fagus sylvatica) is a tree for specimen planting, privacy screens, hedges, and woodland gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full or part sun and average to moist soil of most types. It grows slowly into a dense tree with brown, copper, or gold foliage, and birds visit it. Deer rarely make it their first choice. Its flowers are yellowish-green.
Pairs well with Christmas fern, Lily of the valley, and Green Spice coral bells.
Native range
Europe, Corse, Krym, NW. Balkan Pen., and 1 more places. See all 5
Europe, Corse, Krym, NW. Balkan Pen., and Sicilia.