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Fagus sylvatica Asplenifolia - Fern Leaf Beech

Fagus sylvatica Asplenifolia is a medium sized tree, pyramidal when young and developing a broad spreading crown with maturity, often becoming as wide as it is tall. It is a stunning specimen and the perfect choice for a parkland or feature tree.

As indicated by its common name, the long, narrow foliage is deeply cut, soft and fern like. Throughout the summer, it is a dark glossy green turning a sumptuous golden yellow in autumn.

Though the flowers are insignificant, this beech also produces the typical nut that you would see with a common beech. It also retains the silky smooth grey bark and exquisite form, attractive of this species.

This tree will grow in most well drained soil conditions except very heavy clay. Under planting is not recommended as it develops a shallow root system.

FACT: This tree is also sometimes referred to as Fagus sylvatica Heterophylla.

Plant Profile

Height: 10-15m

Demands: Any well drained soil, not heavy clay. Doesn’t do well in exposed locations

Foliage: Narrow and deeply cut, resembling ferns. Dark green and glossy in summer, golden in autumn

Flower: Insignificant

Bark: Smooth and grey

Fruit: Nuts ripen in autumn, typical of Fagus species

Fagus sylvatica Asplenifolia info sheet

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