Common beechis our Polish tree of extraordinary beauty. Learn the description of this species, with many interesting varieties that are suitable for both large parks and small gardens. Learn more about the cultivation of the common beech, its soil and environmental requirements. Our tips will help you grow this noble species successfully.
Common beech - Fagus sylvatica
Common beech - description
Common beech , Latin. Fagus sylvatica is our native tree, which reaches the north-eastern border of its occurrence in Poland.It belongs to the family of Fagaceae or Bukowate. It grows up to 30-40 m high, has a dense and wide, low-set crown. The characteristic beech bark is thin and smooth, it does not regenerate well after any damage. That is why you can often find cut initials or other patterns on beech trees, which, due to poor regeneration of the bark, remain visible until the end of the days of this ancient tree, which can live up to 350 years!
Description of the common beechis primarily a description of the leaves, which are seasonal, ovoid or elliptical, with almost entire edges. When the European beech leaf is raised against the light, you can see small white hairs that cover the entire edge of the leaf. This is a characteristic descriptive feature of the common beech, it is the easiest way to tell that it is this species.
Common beechalso has very characteristic fruit, called beech. They are nuts, usually 2 pieces in a hairy cover, which when maturing opens into 4 parts (petals), thus releasing the seeds. Common beech comes into the vegetation state very late, only in late spring. In autumn the leaves turn yellow. Often the leaves turn brown and stay on the tree all winter until spring.
Common beech - cultivation
Beech has quite high habitat requirements. It prefers fertile and fresh, loamy or sandy loam soil. It does not like limestone and floodplain soils.Common beechis a shade tree. It responds very well to cutting and trimming, therefore it is recommended for deciduous hedges. It has little ability to produce root suckers. Inthe cultivation of the common beechyou should watch out for May frosts, which can damage the flowers and young leaves. In summer, it should be watered abundantly, starting in June.
Common beechis best grown in coastal climates, where the air is humid. He hates severe frosts. Common beech grows well in cities, it tolerates even heavy air pollution.If someone wants to replant the common beech, it should be done in early spring, preferably with a large root ball (especially older specimens). After transplanting, the beech should not be cut. We should also remember that the transplanted beech should be watered abundantly regularly, especially in periods of drought.
Common beech - varieties
Common beechhas many uses. It can be a forest tree, park tree, or an ornamental garden tree. Due to the resistance to strong winds, it is perfect for a hedge or a wind-resistant line. It perfectly shades the soil and provides fertile humus (the so-called beech earth). Thanks to so many advantages, the common beech has many interesting varieties. Here are the most commonly plantedcommon beech varieties :
Common beech 'Atropunicea'lub'Purpurea'- a common beech variety that grows up to 20 m. It has a rounded crown and purple leaves that change color in autumn to orange. Due to its size, it is recommended for parks or large gardens.
Common beech 'Aspleniifolia'- a slowly growing variety of beech with a widely spread crown. It grows up to 20-25 m high and 20 m wide. Green leaves, more or less notched. The variety is sensitive to drought, heat and fluctuations in groundwater levels.
Common beech 'Pendula'- one of the most beautiful varieties with a hanging habit. Reaches 15-25 m in height and a similar width. Green leaves as in the species. An extremely picturesque variety, due to its large size, recommended for park or large gardens.
European beech 'Black Swan'- a vigorously growing variety with a relatively narrow overhanging habit. It grows up to 7 m high and 2-3 m wide. Dark purple leaves.
Common Beech Fagus sylvatica 'Purple Fountain'
Common Beech 'Purple Fountain'- weeping variety grows up to 4-5 m high and 1.5-2 m wide. Purple leaves. Suitable for smaller gardens.
Common beech 'Purpurea Tricolor'- Common beech variety with unusual, pink-edged purple leaves. It grows up to 30 m in width and height. It is especially decorative in the spring when the leaves are young. A very interesting variety for color combinations.
Common beech 'Dawyck'- common beech variety with a narrow columnar shape and green leaves. It grows up to 15 m high and 3 m wide.
Common beech 'Dawyck Gold'- the variety differs from Fagus sylvatica 'Dawyck' with the color of the leaves, which are golden yellow (especially when young). Due to the color of the leaves, it should grow in a sunny place.
Common beech 'Dawyck Purple'- also a columnar variety with purple leaves.
Common beech 'Zlatia'- a large tree with a wide crown, grows up to 25 m wide and tall. Young leaves turn golden yellow for the first 2-3 weeks, then turn green.
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Katarzyna Matuszak
