Fagus sylvatica ‘Red Obelisk’ – Red Obelisk Beech

Botanical Name: Fagus sylvatica ‘Red Obelisk’

Alternate Name: Red Obelisk European Beech

The Red Obelisk Beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Red Obelisk’) is a cultivar of the European Beech tree, Fagus sylvatica. It makes a statement in a landscape with its bright red-purple foliage and narrow form. It has a low canopy, with the branching starting just 1 foot above the ground and is not suitable for planting under power lines.

This cultivar makes a wonderful screen between properties or can be planted as a lawn or a specimen tree, where its beauty can be appreciated. Plant as a foundation tree against a light colored house for full effect. Its size makes it perfect for smaller landscapes – it grows to a height of 35-40 feet with a spread of 8-10 feet. It can live to be 100 years old.

The Red Obelisk Beech tree has handsome, smooth gray bark, typical of the Fagus genus. Even in winter without its leaves, this unusual tree will create interesting structure in the garden. The leaves emerge in the spring, crinkled and maroon in color. They have prominent veins and are elliptical with wavy margins. The fall color is a beautiful copper-bronze color.

Red Obelisk Beech will not thrive in wet, poorly drained soils. It is drought tolerant – once established, it only needs occasional water. It is also somewhat tolerant of pollution. It rarely needs pruning to keep its shape. No serious disease or insect problems.

Description

Height: 35-40 ft.
Width: 8-10 ft.
Shape: Columnar
Flower Color: Yellowish-Green
Flowering Time: March-May
Fall Color: Copper-Bronze
Features: Attractive color; interesting narrow, columnar form; good fall color
Exposure: Full Sun to Part Shade
Watering: Moderate & Regular
Soil: Prefers rich, moist, and well-drained soils. Tolerant of a wide range of soil pH and soil types, as long as drainage is good.
Growth Rate: Slow
USDA Zones: 4-7
Uses: Specimen tree, hedge/screening tree, foundation tree, lawn tree, park tree
Similar Trees: American Beech Tree (Fagus grandifolia), European Beech (Fagus sylvatica), Dawyck Purple Beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Dawyck Purple’), River’s Purple Beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘River’s Purple’), Purple Fountain Beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Purple Fountain’), Tricolor European Beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Roseomarginata’)

Additional information

Shape

Columnar

Flower Color

Green, Yellow

Flowering Time

April, March, May

Fall Color

Bronze, Copper

Growth Rate

Slow

Uses

Foundatin Tree, Hedge, Lawn Tree, Park Tree, Screening Tree, Specimen Tree

USDA Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Mature Height

30'-40'

Mature Width

8'-10'

Exposure

Full Sun, Partial Sun

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