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. This is a low-branched tree featuring ovate to elliptic, lustrous dark green leaves (to 4” long) with mostly toothless margins and prominent parallel veins. Monoecious yellowish green flowers bloom in April-May, the male flowers in drooping, long-stemmed, globular clusters and the female flowers in short spikes. Female flowers give way to triangular edible beachnuts enclosed by spiny bracts. ‘Riversii’ is a purple-leaved selection featuring large, glossy leaves (to 5” long). Foliage emerges deep purple in spring, fades to purple green in summer and finally turns copper in autumn.
No serious insect or disease problems. Beach scale is an occasional problem. Watch for Japanese beetles. Stressed trees may be attacked by borers.
Purple-leaved specimen or shade tree. Provides interesting foliage color.
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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