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Russell Stafford
Fagaceae
Fagus sylvatica 'Riversii'
European Beech, Purple Beech
With its smooth gray bark, elegant deciduous foliage, stately habit, and adaptability, European beech has long been a garden favorite on its native continent and elsewhere. Introduced before 1870, the cultivar 'Riversii' has glossy oval wavy-edged leaves that emerge metallic purple, mature to dark greenish purple by summer, and turn coppery gold in autumn. Inconspicuous flowers in spring give rise to bristly capsules that ripen to tan in late summer and fall. They contain one to three edible nuts that are prized by wildlife. Raw nuts are inedible to humans. This cultivar grows slowly into a large rounded low-branched tree with a massive trunk.
Tough and reliable, European beech performs best in moist, well-drained, acidic to alkaline soil in full sun. Established trees tolerate some drought. Beech trees have shallow broad-reaching roots and dense shade, and most plants grow poorly beneath their canopies. This magnificent cultivar is an excellent choice for specimen use in large open areas. Combine it with flowering dogwood for a breathtaking mid-spring composition of purple and white. It also works well for bonsai or hedging.
8 - 1
5 - 9
A3, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Tree
Full Sun, Partial Sun
50'-90' / 15.2m - 27.4m
Spring, Late Spring
Europe
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Well Drained
Loam
Drought
Slow
Average Water
Oval/Rounded
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Insignificant
Yellow Green
Green, Tan, Brown
Purple
Purple, Dark Green
Gold, Copper, Bronze
Gray, Silver, Slate Gray
No
Single
Yes
Medium
Glossy
Smooth
Feature Plant, Hedges, Shade Trees, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier
Birds
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