Copper Beech Tree

A spectacular tree with broad pyramidal canopy, copper beech is a wonderful addition to any landscaping project. Though it is a flowering plant, the tree is exclusively planted for the leaves that turn vibrant color in fall. In fact, the common name copper beech tree is coined with reference to colorful fall foliage color, which shade resembles reddish bronze like that of copper. Indigenous to Central Europe, today this deciduous tree has gained popularity as a common ornamental tree in Europe and United States.

Copper Beech Tree Facts

Copper beech tree, scientific name Fagus sylvatica, shares the taxonomic family Fagaceae with other deciduous and evergreen trees, like oak and chestnut. It is also known as European beech and purple beech tree. There are several varieties of copper beech, which are planted for their aesthetic value. The most popular species is weeping copper beech tree (F. sylvatica 'Pendula'), characterized by its pendulous twigs that touch the ground.

Identifying Copper Beech
Copper beech tree identification can be done by studying its bark, leaves, flowers and fruits. The bark is smooth textured and perfect gray in color, just like elephant hide. During summer or the active growth season, the tree leaves are dark green in color, mixed with red tints. Regarding copper beech flowers, they are monoecious and developed in spring, right after the production of new leaves. The copper beech nuts are triangular, with each four lobed involucre enclosing two nuts inside.

Copper Beech Leaf
Examine a twig of copper beech having leaves on it. You will find that the individual foliage of this flowering plant is simple, sparsely toothed (or wavy margin) and borne in alternate phyllotaxy. The leaves are about 2 inches wide and 2-4 inches in length. Also, study the prominent leaf veins that run in pairs. Comes autumn, and the leaves change their color to reddish brown. This colorful foliage is retained through winter.

Copper Beech Size
The growth rate of copper beech tree is somewhat slow to medium, based on the prevailing climate and growing soil conditions. At maturity, the maximum height of copper beech is recorded to be 60 feet. The spread of this deciduous tree is nearly similar to its height, about 50 feet. It is an excellent specimen tree for private gardens and public parks.

Growing Copper Beech
Less tolerant to waterlogged soil, this deciduous tree is suitable for planting in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 7. The ideal growing site for copper beech tree is an area that receives full sun. Also, you will need to prepare garden soil, such that it is well-drained, moist and slightly acidic. Transplantation of sapling should be done during the dormant season. A sapling about 1.5-2 m tall may cost from USD 25 to about USD 60 and more.

Copper Beech Problems
These trees are pruned in early fall, or in early summer. When exposed to stressful conditions, this deciduous tree becomes susceptible to some common plant problems. The most frequently occurring copper beech tree diseases are canker disease, powdery mildew and beech bark disease. If required, apply fungicide in correct dose to contain disease and prevent further spreading.

In order to maintain healthy copper beech trees in your yard, make sure you provide the growth requirements correctly. As with any gardening project, growing copper beech requires patience and some effort from your side. Provide simple deciduous tree care instructions, and your copper beech will continue to beautify the garden with fall color every year. The blooming period lasts from April through May. Many avid gardeners maintain this short trunk tree as hedge by adopting repeated pruning practices, and also as bonsai tree.