The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: Spaeth purple European beech

Family: Fagaceae (beech family)

Distribution: Species native to Europe

Hardiness: USDA Zone 4

Life form: Deciduous tree

Comments: There is no finer specimen tree than a well-grown European beech. This broadly rounded to conical deciduous tree can reach 50' tall and half as wide with strong upright branching. Among the darkest of the purple leafed clones, the beautiful deep purple, wavy-edged leaves hold their color through summer. Light gray, smooth bark.