Fagus sylvatica ‘Dawyck Purple’ – Dawyck Purple Beech

Botanical Name: Fagus sylvatica ‘Dawyck Purple’

Alternate Name: Dawyck Purple European Beech

The Dawyck Purple Beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Dawyck Purple’) is a cultivar of the European Beech tree, Fagus sylvatica. It is a stunning, medium sized deciduous tree which grows in a pyramidal or columnar form with an upright growth habit. It is often planted as a specimen tree, prized for its spectacular deep purple foliage. This tree grows to a height of 25-50 feet and a width of 6-15 feet.

This cultivar has attractive, smooth pale gray bark, similar to that of the species tree (Fagus sylvatica). It forms an interesting silhouette in the winter months. This tree produces small, inconspicuous, yellowish-green flowers that appear in late spring. They are followed by small fruit (beech nuts) in the fall that are sought after by wildlife.

In the spring, the leaves of the Dawyck Purple Beech unfold a bright reddish-purple. The leaves mature to a shiny, deep burgundy-purple as spring and summer pass. The leaves have prominent venation typical of beech trees and are wide and elliptical in shape. The foliage is beautiful in fall, turning a vibrant bronze color.

Dawyck Purple Beech dislikes being transplanted and will not thrive in wet, poorly drained soils. No serious disease or insect problems, but woolly aphids can be a minor problem. This tree is deer and drought resistant, as well as somewhat tolerant of urban pollution, making it suitable for city gardens.