Mar 10, 2011

Copper Beech Tree

The large, handsome shade tree dominating the 3 Writ Street lot is a Copper Beech tree (Fagus sylvatica Purpurea). It is a slow growing deciduous tree of a magnificent size.  
It begins the year leafing a little late, starting with dark red-purple glossy leaves, later turning a bronzy green in the early autumn. It is of an impressive size with smooth silver-gray bark and a short wide trunk. It may attain ages of 200-400 years and  can reach a height of 50-60 feet with a spread of 40 to 50 feet. These long branches often droop down to the ground.

Copper Beech is an overall name for all cultivars of the European Beech with reddish to purple leaves. This color is due to high anthocyanin levels in the tissues, the same plant pigment responsible for the purplish color of many fruits and vegetables. Beech trees belong to the same family as oak trees and grow in all but Africa and southern Asia.
We are sure you will agree that this is magnificent tree in all four seasons.

No comments:

Post a Comment