Fagus Sylvatica Var. Heterophylla ‘Asplenifolia’

Full Description

Description: Also known as Fern Leaf Beech, a medium sized tree, pyramidal when young and developing a broad spreading crown with maturity, often becoming as wide as it is tall. This is a cut leaved cultivar that features narrow, lanceolate, feathery, fine textured, fern like, leaves that are deeply dissected into slender lobes. Throughout the summer, it is a dark glossy green turning a sumptuous golden yellow in autumn. The smooth silky grey bark adds winter interest. In mid-late spring small inconspicuous yellow green flowers are on display, followed by bristly fruits which ripen in the autumn.

History: Loddiges’ nursery listed it in their catalogue in 1804. A tree in Knap Hill nursery, believed to have come from France in 1826 belongs to this variety. Received the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.

Fagus Growing Tips: They will grow in most soils provided they are not waterlogged, and will tolerate most sites except coastal. They prefer full sun or partial shade.

Height and Spread (after 10 years): 8m x 4m