Fagus sylvatica Purpurea

Common Name:
Purple Beech, Copper Beech

Description:
Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea', commonly known as Purple Beech or Copper Beech, is a striking deciduous tree renowned for its deep purple foliage that turns bronze-red in autumn before falling. Its smooth grey bark and dense, elegant canopy make it a standout feature in any landscape. In spring, small yellow-green flowers appear, followed by spiky husks containing edible beech nuts, which attract birds and wildlife. This tree thrives in well-drained, fertile soils and prefers a cool climate. It is often used as a specimen tree in large gardens, for avenue planting, or clipped into a formal hedge. When pruned regularly, it makes an excellent dense hedge with year-round interest, as its dried leaves often remain on the tree through winter.

Form:

• Tree - Large
• Suitable for Hedging (when clipped)

Mature Size:

• Height: 20–30 metres
• Width: 15–20 metres

Aspect:

• Full Sun
• Part Shade

Flowering:

• Flowers in Spring

Flower Colour:

• Green (inconspicuous)

Key Attributes:

• Suitable for Hedging
• Bird Attracting (due to nuts)
• Attractive Autumn Foliage
• Long-Lived and Stately
• Shade Providing

Toxicity:

• Beech nuts can be mildly toxic to pets and humans if consumed in large quantities

Companion Plants:

• Quercus (Oak)
• Acer species (Maple)
• Carpinus betulus (Hornbeam)
• Rhododendrons and Azaleas (for underplanting)
• Ferns and Hostas (for shaded areas beneath)