This product is only available for purchase in increments of 25
Overview
A large, imposing, deciduous tree grown for its colourful leaves, which go through shades of bronze in spring, dark purple in summer and finally copper in autumn. Can be maintained as hedging but are more commonly seen as large ornamental trees.
Description
Copper Beech is a statuesque and good-looking deciduous tree. Its wide-spreading branches bear dark purple leaves, turning copper in the autumn and bronze in the spring; these are retained over the winter. It is commonly planted in parks and large gardens and very often used as an ornamental hedge. Also known as Purple Beech, Fagus sylvatica purpurea, atropurpurea or atropunicea.
Planting Position
Copper Beech thrives well in well drained chalky and acids soils. Can handle exposed areas.
Size
Growth Rate: Slow
Final Height: 30m
Final Spread: Excess of 8m
Foliage & Flowers
Leaves are oval and fringed with silky brown hairs. The female flowers grow in pairs and are surrounded by a cup. The male catkins hang from long stalks at the end of twigs in April/May. When wind pollinated, the cup becomes woody and inside grow 1 or 2 nuts called beechmast.
Plant Interest
Copper Beech is attractive to wildlife, with the leaves providing forage for various species of caterpillars. The seeds are eaten by birds, squirrels, mice and voles. They also provide homes for wood boring insects and hole nesting birds.
Landscape Use
Predominantly used as an ornamental tree, can also be used in hedging.
Uses
Copper Beech timber has many uses, including furniture and fuel.
