Fagus sylvatica Dawyck - Fastigata Beech
Fagus Dawyck is a great alternative to the more commonly planted fastigiate oaks and hornbeam. It originated from Dawyck, Scotland circa 1850. A beautiful medium sized (15- 20m) deciduous tree with a very columnar form, which rarely exceeds more than 3 metres width, is ideal for specimen planting, wide verges or to form an avenue.
The leaves are dark green, ovate and glossy, the bark smooth and grey. Inconspicuous flowers in spring are followed by spiny fruits in the autumn.
Fagus Dawyck will thrive in nearly all fertile, well drained soils but is not keen on overly exposed locations.
It is often mistakenly called Fagus sylvatica ‘Fastigiata’
Fagus Dawyck Gold (Golden Fastigiate Beech)
Has the same attributes as Fagus Dawyck but with golden yellow foliage in spring, turning pale green in summer then glowing shades of yellow in autumn.
Fagus Dawyck Purple(Purple Fastigiate Beech)
A slightly narrower but less dense variety still growing to the same height. Spring foliage is bright red, purple in summer and then brown in autumn. The best foliage colour comes when planted in full sun.
FACT: The semi-drying oil obtained from the seed can be used as a fuel for lighting, a lubricant and for polishing wood.
Plant Profile
Height: 15-20m
Demands: Grows well in most fertile, well drained soils. Not tolerant of very exposed or coastal sites.
Foliage: Glossy, elliptical leaves or green, gold or purple
Flower: Inconspicuous in spring
Fruit: Spiny 'beech nuts' in autumn.
