Fagus is a genus of around a dozen species of tree, native to moist temperate forests of the Northern hemisphere. Beech trees are widespread and dominant components of many forests in the Eastern US and Europe, and appear prominently in their folklore and placenames. Beech belong to the family Fagaceae, along with more familiar trees such as oaks and chestnuts.
Beech prefer rich, moist, well-drained soils. They grow slowly, but in their natural habitat are among the most shade-tolerant trees, forming the last stage of succession as a forest grows older. Unfortunately, because of their habitat requirements and shallow, sensitive roots, they are not well suited to urban areas in California. Beeches also have beautiful, smooth bark, which is very prone to damage by sunburn and vandals who often carve their initials into the tree. Like many other smooth-barked trees, they should not be over-pruned and do best in afternoon shade.
F. sylvatica, the European beech, is grown somewhat regularly in Sacramento, but typically struggles here. I have also seen a very small F. grandifolia. Other species are not present in significant numbers.
Though an iconic and magnificent tree in nature, beeches are probably not the best choice for our region. However, if you find yourself drawn to them and have a green thumb, they can be grown here if thought is given to the conditions they need.
Beech prefer rich, moist, well-drained soils. They grow slowly, but in their natural habitat are among the most shade-tolerant trees, forming the last stage of succession as a forest grows older. Unfortunately, because of their habitat requirements and shallow, sensitive roots, they are not well suited to urban areas in California. Beeches also have beautiful, smooth bark, which is very prone to damage by sunburn and vandals who often carve their initials into the tree. Like many other smooth-barked trees, they should not be over-pruned and do best in afternoon shade.
F. sylvatica, the European beech, is grown somewhat regularly in Sacramento, but typically struggles here. I have also seen a very small F. grandifolia. Other species are not present in significant numbers.
Though an iconic and magnificent tree in nature, beeches are probably not the best choice for our region. However, if you find yourself drawn to them and have a green thumb, they can be grown here if thought is given to the conditions they need.