A widely adapted, important timber tree, with strong, dense wood, and smooth bark. Small, wavy leaves and drooping catkins. Small triangular shaped, thin shelled nuts are good tasting to wildlife and humans yet toxic in large amounts. European Beech trees are long-lived and can become very large, up to 80-150 ft. at old age. Makes a beautiful, tall specimen or shade tree with great fall foliage. May hold on to autumn leaves and drop instead in spring, adding winter interest. Sun or shade tolerant. Grows in many types of soils but prefers moist and well-drained conditions.
ZONE: 4-7
POLLINATION/BLOOM TIME: Blooms in a yellowish-green color from April to May. Male flowers long-stemmed, globular clusters. Females flowers in short spikes and gives way to triangular nuts.
RECOMMENDED GROWING AND CARE:
Full sun to part shade. Low maintenance, best grown in deep, rich, moist but well-drained soils.
CHILL HOURS: n/a
DISEASE RESISTANCE: No serious disease or insect problems. Occasionally, beech scale is a problem. Keep an eye out for caterpillars, aphids, and Japanese beetles.
SIZE AT MATURITY: 50-60 ft.
