Fernleaf European Beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Asplenifolia’)
Identifying Features
Plant Family: Fagaceae
Leaf: deciduous, alternate, simple with deeply cut edge
Twig and Bud: buds long, brown, sharply-pointed
Flower, Fruit and Seed: triangular nut inside prickly husk
Bark: smooth and gray
Shape and Mature Height: branches close to the ground, 40-60 feet tall
Garden Value and Considerations
European beeches have striking smooth gray bark. Their leaves are a shiny dark green through the summer and turn golden brown in autumn. This fernleaf variety is named for the fern-like appearance of the leaves.
Notes
Beechnuts are edible and provide an important food source for wildlife.
