European Beech (Fagus sylvatica)

The Beech tree is a treasure trove for wildlife, providing sustenance for caterpillars of varied moths and seeds for small mammals and birds. Its longevity ensures a haven for diverse species, including hole-nesting birds and wood-boring insects, while its bark supports fungi, mosses, and lichens.As an exceptional hedging plant, the Beech is resilient, tolerating hard pruning, and providing a dense, leafy screen all year round, enhancing both privacy and bird habitats.

European Beech grows slowly in its early years but develops into a grand, long-lived tree with a dense, rounded crown and smooth, silvery bark. In spring, it unfurls fresh green leaves that create a rich canopy, turning golden and russet in autumn before shedding for the winter. Its shallow but widespread root system makes it a strong soil stabilizer and competitor for surface water and nutrients, contributing to its dominance in mature forests.

12"-18", 2 year old seedling

The Copper or Purple Beech, cultivated from the common Beech, reaches towering heights exceeding 40m. It exhibits a smooth, grey bark and slender, zig-zag patterned twigs, while its coppery leaf buds, torpedo-shaped and up to 2cm in length, showcase a distinctive criss-cross pattern, setting it apart.