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Plants that fill a similar niche:
Fagus sylvatica Fagus sylvatica 'Roseomarginata' Tree
Fagus sylvatica 'Asplenifolia' Fagus sylvatica 'Asplenifolia' leaves
Ulmus alata Ulmus alata
Fagus sylvatica f. pendula has some common insect problems:
Beech Blight Aphid
Fagus sylvatica f. pendula has some common disease problems:
Beech Bark Disease

Fagus sylvatica f. pendula

Common Name(s):

Previously known as:

  • Fagus sylvatica 'pendula'
Phonetic Spelling
FAG-us sil-VAT-ee-kuh PEND-yoo-luh
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Weeping European Beech is a broadleaf, deciduous tree in the Fagaceae family. The f. in the plant's scientific name indicates that this plant is a secondary form, secondary to species and variety. In the case of the Fagus sylvataica beech, there are two forms, mushroom and the pendula, or fountain form. The fountain form is narrow and tall with drooping branches, giving it the appearance of weeping, hence the common name. 'Pendula' will typically reach a height of 35 to 50 feet, although it is slow to grow (about a foot each year). The genus name comes from the Latin name. The species name means growing in woods or forest-loving. The form, or cultivar name, comes from the Latin word meaning "hanging down" in reference to the drooping plant branches.

The Weeping European Beech does best in deep, rich, moist but well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. It does not tolerate wet, poorly drained soils, can be difficult to transplant, and does not always grow well in urban settings. It is a little more tolerant of different soil types than American beech (Fagus grandifolia). This tree is resistant to browsing by deer.  It can have problems with high summer temperatures, but is tolerant of pruning and can be used as a hedge or screen. 

Within the 'Pendula' form there are variations: (1) upright central trunk that droops at the top with major branches extending outward horizontally before drooping sharply downward, sometimes reaching the ground, and (2) broad crown with spreading main branches and drooping side branches. To encourage a vertical trunk, the tree should be staked when young; else it will grow wide rather than tall.

Seasons of Interest:

Bark:  Winter        Bloom:  Spring             Foliage:  Spring, Summer, and Fall         Fruits: Fall 

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No serious insect or disease problems. Beech scale, aphids, Japanese beetles and caterpillars can be occasional problems. Distressed trees may be attacked by borers. Beech bark disease, canker and powdery mildew may occur.

VIDEO created by Ryan Contreras for “Landscape Plant Materials I:  Deciduous Hardwoods and Conifers or Landscape Plant Materials II:  Spring Flowering Trees and Shrubs” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Horticulture at Oregon State University

More information on Fagus sylvatica.

Profile Video:
See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#cultivars#weeping#deciduous#shade tree#interesting bark#specimen#large tree#slow growing#gray bark#interesting leaves#deer resistant#alkaline soils tolerant#parks#heat intolerant#fall color#lawn#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#cultivars#weeping#deciduous#shade tree#interesting bark#specimen#large tree#slow growing#gray bark#interesting leaves#deer resistant#alkaline soils tolerant#parks#heat intolerant#fall color#lawn#wildlife friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Fagus
    Species:
    sylvatica
    Family:
    Fagaceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    The tree's wood has been used as firewood or for building furniture, musical instruments, veneer, and flooring.
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Distribution:
    Forest or natural area in rich woods; landscape as cultivated tree.
    Wildlife Value:
    The beechnuts are eaten by birds, chipmunks, squirrels, and other small mammals.
    Play Value:
    Edible fruit
    Screening
    Shade
    Wildlife Food Source
    Edibility:
    The beechnuts are edible if cooked properly. Raw or unripe nuts eaten in large quantities are toxic and can cause gastrointestinal distress. Young leaves can be cooked for greens in the spring.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 35 ft. 0 in. - 50 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 20 ft. 0 in. - 40 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Poisonous
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Dense
    Multi-stemmed
    Weeping
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Shallow Rocky
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    24-60 feet
    NC Region:
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Red/Burgundy
    Fruit Value To Gardener:
    Edible
    Showy
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Fruit Type:
    Nut
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    The fruit is light brown to reddish-brown, bristly husk, and measures about 3/4 inches long. It opens into 4 sections and contains a triangular, or 3-angled, brown nut that measures 5/8 inches long. The fruits are known as beechnuts, and they ripen in the fall and are edible.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Green
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Insignificant
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Small and inconspicuous yellowish green flowers bloom April to May. The female flowers are short spikes, and the male flowers are long-stemmed, drooping clusters. The female flower produces edible nuts that ripen in the fall. The tree may not flower until it is 30 to 80 years old.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Gold/Yellow
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Cordate
    Elliptical
    Leaf Margin:
    Undulate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Short, elliptical leaves with undulated or wavy margins that are ciliate.
  • Bark:
    Bark Color:
    Dark Gray
    Surface/Attachment:
    Smooth
    Bark Description:
    The bark is thin, smooth, and dark gray. Older tree trunk bark has the appearance of elephant hide.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Gray/Silver
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Buds:
    Scaly
    Stem Form:
    Zig Zags
    Stem Description:
    Drooping stems are slender with a zigzag form and are light brown to gray. The buds are light brown, narrow, long, pointed, and covered with overlapping scales.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Lawn
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Cottage Garden
    English Garden
    Shade Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Flowering Tree
    Hedge
    Specimen
    Attracts:
    Small Mammals
    Songbirds
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Problems:
    Poisonous to Humans
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    If ingested raw in large quantities or if unripe, the beechnuts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea in humans and dogs. If the beechnuts are properly cooked they can be consumed.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Trimethylamine, oxalic acid
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No
    Poison Part:
    Fruits