Beech, European, Purple Fountain

Fagus sylvatica 'Purple Fountain'

Height: 20-25ft
Spread: 12-15ft
Zone: 4-7
Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Growth Rate: Slow
Bloom Time/Color: N/A
Fall Color: Yellow/orange
Uses: Specimen
Maintenance: Low
Tree Shape: Upright, weeping
Other: Deer resistant

European beech is an excellent shade tree on a relatively short trunk that has smooth, dark grey bark that is reminiscent of elephant hide. The foliage of 'Purple Fountain' has a nice purple color (more green in shadier conditions) through the growing season before changing to yellow and copper in autumn. It also has a very graceful weeping architecture that needs very little pruning to maintain its shape thanks to its slower growth habit. Beech prefer moist soils, however well-drained. Relatively disease and insect resistant. 'Purple Fountain' is slower to leaf out in spring than other deciduous trees.