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Tree Walk – Fernleaf Beech

//Tree Walk – Fernleaf Beech
Tree Walk – Fernleaf Beech 2022-09-17T09:18:21+00:00

Fernleaf European Beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Asplenifolia’)

Identifying Features

Plant Family: Fagaceae

Leaf: deciduous, alternate, simple with deeply cut edge

Twig and Bud: buds long, brown, sharply-pointed

Flower, Fruit and Seed: triangular nut inside prickly husk

Bark: smooth and gray

Shape and Mature Height: branches close to the ground, 40-60 feet tall

Garden Value and Considerations

European beeches have striking smooth gray bark.  Their leaves are a shiny dark green through the summer and turn golden brown in autumn.  This fernleaf variety is named for the fern-like appearance of the leaves.

Notes

Beechnuts are edible and provide an important food source for wildlife.