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.