The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: Plaswyck European beech

Family: Fagaceae (beech family)

Distribution: Species native to Europe

Hardiness: USDA Zone 4

Life form: Deciduous tree

Comments: Plaswyck European beech originated from The Trompenburg Arboretum in The Netherlands around 1997. It is considered to be a seedling off the well-known, fastigiate cultivar, Dawyck Purple (F. sylvatica 'Dawyck Purple'). This selection, however, is not only much rarer than its parent but is also even tighter in growth. Its strong, vertically ascending branches may reach 30-40' tall but its width may only be 5'. This is a good selection for tight spaces where its red foliage can provide a striking accent.