Fagus orientalis
oriental beech
A very large, deciduous tree reaching 40m. It is extremely similar to European Beech, except may prove to be better suited to hotter drier climates. It has bright green leaves which cast thorough shade and on branches lower than 3-4m, keep its autumn orange-brown leaves all winter, only falling as new ones grow. This makes it a good hedge without being evergreen. The bark is silver-grey with a smooth surface. Some years (most years), large quantities of small prickly nut cases containing 3-cornered nuts, are produced
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Yellow | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Yellow Orange | |||
| Winter | Brown Orange |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Fagaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright, Spreading branched
- Potentially harmful
- Pets (dogs): Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Fagus are large deciduous trees with smooth grey bark, ovate leaves colouring well in autumn, and inconspicuous flowers followed by usually spiny fruits
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Bulgaria to Caucasus and Iran
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any free-draining soil in full sun. Dislikes a dry atmosphere. For more advice see Beech cultivation
Propagation
Propagate from seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Pruning group 1; or may be maintained as a hedge
Pests
May be susceptible to bark stripping by deer and rabbits when young, beech scale and beech red spider mite
Diseases
May be susceptible to fungi that cause beech heart rots and honey fungus
Get involved
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