Tree
European Beech
Fagus sylvatica
Features
Dark green summer foliage that changes to golden; smooth, light gray to silvery bark.
Culture
Full sun to partial shade; moist, well drained soil; slightly acid soil preferred.
Cultivars
Many, including
- 'Asplenifolia'-cut leaves.
- 'Atropunicea'-purple leaves.
- 'Dawyck'-narrow, columnar habit.
- 'Pendula'-weeping habit.
- 'Riversii'-deep purple leaves.
- 'Tricolor'-leaves are green and white, with a pink margin; slow growing.
Mature Height
50-60 Feet
Size
Large
Mature Form
Broad rounded, branching low to the ground.
Native To:
Europe
USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 7
Soil Conditions
Moist, Well-Drained
Tolerance
Wind
Exposure/Light Requirements
Full Sun
Partial Sun/Shade
Uses
Screen
Shade
Specimen
Foliage Color
Green
Fall Foliage Color
Yellow
Pests and Problems
Environmental Damage
Fungal Disease
Additional pests and problems that may affect this plant:
Beech has very shallow roots and is extremely sensitive to compaction; also sensitive to salt damage and drought.
Additional Notes
This is a large tree and is not suitable for small properties.
Related Resources
Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
The Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide (C1391) provides is written for homeowners and other residents and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations for controlling pests associated with trees, shrubs, turf, flowers, groundcovers, vegetables, fruit, and houses. In addition, you'll find detailed information about integrated pest management, pesticide safety, and pesticide application and calibration techniques. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "C1391").
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Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
The Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook (ICLT) is written for professional applicators and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations as well as application timing information for all major pests of turf, woody ornamentals and herbaceous ornamentals. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "ICLT").
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U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
A free plant, weed, insect and disease identification service available through your local University of Illinois Extension office. Center Educators or State Specialists review & respond to information and digital images submitted by local Extension office personnel. Some samples may require further examination or culture work (nominal fee involved) at the U of IL Plant Clinic.
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U of IL - Plant Clinic
Services include plant and insect identification, diagnosis of disease, insect, weed and chemical injury (chemical injury on field crops only), nematode assays, and help with nutrient related problems, as well as recommendations involving these diagnoses. Microscopic examinations, laboratory culturing, virus assays, and nematode assays are some of the techniques used in the clinic.
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