Contents
Description
Fagus Sylvatica Var. Heterophylla Aspleniifolia, commonly known as Cutleaf European Beech, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Fagaceae family. It is native to Europe and Asia and can grow up to 20-30 meters tall with a spread of 10-15 meters. The tree has a broad, spreading crown and a straight trunk that can reach up to 1.5 meters in diameter. Its bark is smooth and gray, and its leaves are green, glossy, and deeply cut.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fagales |
| Family | Fagaceae |
| Genus | Fagus |
| Species | Sylvatica |
Appearance
The Cutleaf European Beech has a unique appearance due to its deeply cut leaves. The leaves are ovate, 4-10 cm long, and 2-6 cm wide, with irregularly serrated margins. The upper surface of the leaves is glossy green, while the lower surface is lighter green and hairy. The tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers in the spring, followed by small, triangular nuts enclosed in a spiny bur in the fall. The nuts are edible and are a popular food for wildlife.
Care Guide
The Cutleaf European Beech prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types but prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil. Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Fertilize in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Mulch around the base of the tree to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. The tree is hardy in USDA zones 4-7.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Cutleaf European Beech is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including beech bark disease, beech leaf disease, powdery mildew, and beech scale. The beech bark disease is caused by a combination of a fungus and an insect and can result in the death of the tree. The beech leaf disease is caused by a nematode and can cause leaf discoloration and premature leaf drop. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can cause a white, powdery coating on the leaves. Beech scale is an insect that can cause yellowing and distortion of the leaves. Regular inspection and treatment with appropriate insecticides and fungicides can help prevent these problems.
Habitat
The Cutleaf European Beech is native to Europe and Asia and can be found in forests, woodlands, and parks. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. The tree is widely cultivated as an ornamental tree in parks, gardens, and along streets.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Cutleaf European Beech a fast-growing tree?
A: No, it is a slow-growing tree.
Q: Can the nuts of the Cutleaf European Beech be eaten?
A: Yes, the nuts are edible and are a popular food for wildlife.
Q: What is the hardiness zone of the Cutleaf European Beech?
A: The tree is hardy in USDA zones 4-7.
Q: How tall can the Cutleaf European Beech grow?
A: It can grow up to 20-30 meters tall with a spread of 10-15 meters.
Related Plants
- Fagus sylvatica
- Fagus grandifolia
- Fagus crenata
- Fagus engleriana
References
- “Fagus sylvatica var. heterophylla ‘Aspleniifolia’.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 14 Apr. 2021. <http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=f245>.
- “Fagus sylvatica var. heterophylla ‘Aspleniifolia’.” The Morton Arboretum. Accessed 14 Apr. 2021. <https://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/cutleaf-european-beech>.
- “Beech Bark Disease.” USDA Forest Service. Accessed 14 Apr. 2021. <https://www.fs.fed.us/foresthealth/technology/pdfs/BeechBarkDisease.pdf>.
