Fagus sylvatica f. pendula

Common Name:

Weeping Copper Beech

planted 2002

Description

Our Weeping Copper Beech was planted in 2002, and 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 Copper 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. 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.

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

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone: 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b

Characteristics

Fruit: edible nut

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.

Flower Color:

Gold/Yellow

Green

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.

Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:

Broadleaf Evergreen

Deciduous

Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:

Brown/Copper

Gold/Yellow

Leaf Description:

Short, elliptical leaves with undulated or wavy margins that are ciliate .

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 Color:

Brown/Copper

Gray/Silver

Stem Buds:

Scaly

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.

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