Best grown in deep, rich, moist but well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Intolerant of wet, poorly drained soils. Difficult to transplant. Plants do not always grow well in urban settings.
European beech is a large deciduous tree typically growing to 50-60’ (less frequently to 100’) tall with a dense, upright-oval to rounded-spreading crown. It is native to woodlands in central and southern Europe. European colonists brought this tree to America in the mid-1700s and it has been a popular ornamental shade tree since that time. ‘Purpurea Pendula’ is a shrubby, weeping, purple-leaved form with a mushroom shape. It has no central leader. After the first 15 years, plants are typically 6’ tall. Mature plants rarely exceed 10’ in height. Leaves (to 4” long) with prominent parallel veins emerge purple but slowly change to purple-green by summer. Foliage turns golden bronze in fall. Monoecious yellowish green flowers bloom in April-May. The male flowers appear in drooping, long-stemmed, globular clusters and the female flowers appear in short spikes.
No serious insect or disease problems. Beech scale is an occasional problem. Watch for Japanese beetles. Stressed trees may be attacked by borers.
Purple-leaved specimen or accent for areas around the home.
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Missouri Botanical Garden
4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63110(314) 577-5100 hours and admission
Butterfly House
Faust Park, 15193 Olive Blvd. Chesterfield, MO 63017(636) 530-0076 hours and admission
Shaw Nature Reserve
Hwy. 100 & I-44 Gray Summit, MO 63039(636) 451-3512 hours and admission