Copper Beech (or Purple Beech)
Fagus sylvatica f. purpurea · Deciduous, Broadleaf, Hardwood
Plant Family
Fagaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree, Ornamental, Specimen Tree
Variety / Cultivar
f. purpurea (Atropunicea Group)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 7 (sometimes 8 with afternoon shade).
About This Tree
A massive, majestic deciduous tree with a dense, broadly oval to rounded crown. Known for its dark, wine-colored foliage and smooth, elephant-hide-like bark. It grows slowly but becomes a dominant landscape feature with age.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, oval to ovate shape, 2-4 inches long with wavy (undulate) margins. Color ranges from deep purple to copper-red, turning bronze-green in late summer and golden-brown in autumn. Alternate arrangement.
Bark Characteristics
Distinctively smooth and thin, even in old age. Light gray color resembling the skin of an elephant. Very sensitive to carving and sunscald.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Central and Southern Europe; widely planted in temperate North America and Europe.
Growing Season
Buds open in late spring (April/May) with deep purple foliage. Flowers appear shortly after leafing. High-quality copper/gold fall color before dormancy.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun preferred for best purple color; partial shade tolerated. Needs moist, well-drained soil. Moderate water needs; does not tolerate saturated soil or severe drought.
Mature Size
Reaches 40-60 feet in height with a similar spread in cultivation, though can reach 100 feet in the wild. Slow to moderate growth rate. Can live 150-200+ years.
Special Characteristics
Highly prized for its dramatic purple foliage. Features edible nuts (beechnuts), high timber value in Europe, and extreme shade tolerance once established. Resistant to many pests but sensitive to soil compaction.
Wildlife & Ecology
Produces small, triangular nuts (mast) that are a vital food source for birds, squirrels, and small mammals. Provides dense nesting cover and supports various Lepidoptera larvae.