Copper Beech (or Purple Beech)
Fagus sylvatica 'Atropunicea' · Deciduous Broadleaf Hardwood
Plant Family
Fagaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree / Ornamental
Variety / Cultivar
Atropunicea / Riversii (Purple-leaved group)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4 through 9.
About This Tree
A large, stately tree with a broad, rounded, and dense crown. Known for its massive trunk and graceful, spreading branches that often sweep toward the ground. Growth rate is slow to moderate.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, ovate leaves, 2-4 inches long, with wavy (undulate) margins and silky hairs when young. Alternate arrangement. Color ranges from deep wine-purple to copper-green, turning bronze in fall.
Bark Characteristics
Distinctively smooth, thin, and steel-gray bark, often compared to elephant skin. It remains smooth even as the tree reaches great age.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe; widely planted in temperate North America and New Zealand.
Growing Season
Leafs out in late April/May with deep purple foliage that may fade to bronze-green in summer. Enters dormancy in late autumn after turning golden-bronze.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade (best color in full sun). Prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Low drought tolerance; requires consistent moisture.
Mature Size
40-60 feet tall and wide in landscape settings, though can reach 100 feet in the wild. Very long-lived (200+ years).
Special Characteristics
Highly valued for its dramatic foliage color and smooth ornamental bark. Sensitive to soil compaction and salt. Used historically for timber and high-quality charcoal.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides heavy shade and nesting sites for birds. Produces 'beechnuts' (mast) which are a vital food source for squirrels, chipmunks, and various bird species.