Common Beech

Fagus sylvatica, the Common Beech or European Beech, is a large attractive woodland or landscape tree, capable of reaching 30m or more in good conditions. 

Its stately presence is attractive in all seasons, but in the autumn the leaves turn golden and orange hues.

It is considered native to southern England (although in practice it may well have been brought here by early humans after the last ice age). It grows well in many areas of northern England and Scotland it is arguably not "native" in these areas.

Common Beech beech trees for sale

• 11-year bare-root tree £39.00
  Very large size (4m-7m after 10 years)
  (120cm)

  Out of stock
  Sorry we have sold out for this season
• 23-year pot-grown tree £72.00
  In a 12L pot
  Very large size (4m-7m after 10 years)
  

  Out of stock
  Sorry we have sold out for this season

How to grow

Fagus sylvatica will do best in well-drained soils.  It is fairly fast-growing, reaching about 10m height and 5m spread after 20 years, and reaching maturity at around 30 years. 

Although usually planted as feature trees, Fagus sylvatica trees can also be closely planted to form very large hedges.

Common Beech characteristics

• Gardening skillBeginner
• AwardsRHS AGM (current) - 1993
• Attractive featuresAttractive tree / plantAutumn foliage colour
• Growth habitUpright-spreading / Vase
• Height after 10 years5m-8m / 16ft-25ft
• SunlightTolerates shadePrefers full sun
• PruningPrune hard
• Growth rateAverage
• Site conditionsSheltered siteWindy siteFree-draining site
• WildlifeSeeds / fruits useful for animals
• Leaf colourGreen
• Leaf colour - autumnOrange / Gold
• Fruit persistenceFruit drops when ripe
• BarkGrey
• Annual cycleDeciduous

Similar varieties

• Fagus sylvatica
  Purpurea
  Purpurea is an impressive purple-leaved form of the Common Beech, sometimes known as the Purple Beech or Copper Beech.

What will it look like?

Illustrative example of a pot-grown tree of this variety as supplied. Approximate girth: 6/8cm. We try to keep all pot-grown trees down to about 1.5m as supplied, but some may be larger. Trees should reach their mature height after about 10 or more years. We may also have 1-year bare-root trees of this variety - they are not shown here.