These deciduous woodland trees in ten or so species are grown for their nice growth habit, their neat foliage (which exhibits good fall color), and their smooth gray bark. Grow beeches as specimen trees or in a woodland garden. F. sylvatica can be pleached or used as a hedge.
Noteworthy CharacteristicsSmooth gray bark; nice autumn color.
CareFull sun or partial shade. Beech tolerates most soil, as long as it is well-drained. Prune when dormant.
PropagationSow seed in autumn outdoors in a seedbed or stratify over winter and sow in spring.
ProblemsLimb canker, powdery mildew, butt rot, wood rot, bracket fungi.
