The dark purple foliage of the copper beech makes a strong statement in the landscape due to its imposing size and unusual foliage color. The leaves emerge almost black and change to purple-green as the season progresses.It is thought to be a naturally occurring mutation of the European beech (Fagus sylvatica) and was known in Germany no later than the 18th century.

A wide range of cultivars of the European beech have been developed, many of which are eye-catching show stoppers for their shape (weeping, columnar or rounded) or foliage color (green, variegated, purple or gold); they are often featured as specimen trees where space permits. The smooth gray bark is an attractive feature of the species.

The genus Fagus includes 10-13 species of the beech tree, which are native to temperate regions of Asia, Europe and North America. Only Fagus grandifolia, the American beech, is native to the U.S. and Illinois. A single species, Fagus sylvatica or the European beech, accounts for the vast majority of cultivars used in landscaping. The 91½ûÂþ's collections contain three species but more than two dozen varieties among its more than 100 beech trees.

Like their cousins the oaks, beech trees are long-lived and slow growing hardwood trees. The fruit produced annually is commonly called a beech nut and is beloved by wildlife. Beech trees are majestic shade trees at maturity. While tolerant of a wide range of soils, the genus prefers consistent and moderate moisture.

Archived Copy: This content was captured before February 2022, and is no longer being updated.