Forest beech purpurea

Appearance: A large tree, 25-30 m in height, 10-15 m in width, branches arching or arranged horizontally, lateral shoots droop to the ground, average growth rate 40-50 cm per year.

Flowers: inconspicuous.

Fruits: a three-angled nut, in a softly spiny capsule.

Leaves: large, elliptical, glossy, when unfolding – dark red, later green, in autumn – red-brown.

Root system: taproot, the densest of all European trees, aggressive.

Requirements: sun/partial shade, heat-loving, demanding regarding moisture, poorly tolerates drought, moderately winter-hardy and wind-resistant.

Soils: all, at least somewhat fertile, from fresh to moist, from slightly acidic to alkaline.

Note: tolerates pruning well.

Zone: 5b