Fagus sylvatica Dawyck - Beech

The Fagus sylvatica 'Dawyck' is an old variety of Common Beech that stands out for its tall columnar habit. This tree reaches about 20 m (65 ft 7 in) in height with a spread of only 3 m (9 ft 10 in) at maturity. Its very dense marcescent foliage, providing both a windbreak and shade, is a shiny dark green. In autumn, it takes on a coppery hue before drying out, remaining attached to the branches until the new leaves appear in spring. This variety is easy to cultivate and will be particularly interesting in rows or as a standalone specimen.

The beech tree, in Latin Fagus sylvatica, is an imposing tree with a spreading habit. Its cylindrical trunk is covered with a smooth bark of light grey colour. This tree can live for several centuries. Native to central Europe to the Caucasus, it is one of the most common species in European forests. It covers 10% of forests. The Fagus sylvatica is the most popular beech grown along with oak. Its reddish wood is used in cabinet-making and for the production of wooden tools and toys as well as firewood. Very hardy, it can reach a height of 20 m (65 ft 7 in) at maturity.

The cultivar 'Dawyck' was discovered in the Darwyck Botanical Garden in Scotland in 1864. It has a narrow fastigiate habit with a dense crown. Its foliage is composed of alternate and elliptical leaves measuring 4 to 10 cm (1.6 to 3.9 in) in length. The leaf margins are undulating and villous. They have 5 to 9 pairs of lateral veins. The dark green leaves turn coppery yellow in autumn. They are marcescent, meaning they dry out while remaining on the tree until the arrival of new leaves in spring. The flowers appear almost at the same time as the leaves. From April to May, barely visible cream-coloured monoecious flowers appear. Male flowers are grouped in pendulous catkins measuring 40 to 60 mm (1.6 to 2.4 in). The female flowers are grouped in pairs to fours at the end of the branches. Mature specimens produce shiny brown fruits called beech nuts. These fruits, measuring 12 to 18 mm (0.5 to 0.7 in) in length, are edible in small quantities. Mountain dwellers used them in the past to make flour.

The Fagus sylvatica 'Dawyck' is a hardy, low-maintenance tree. It prefers partial shade and non-scorching sunlight, and prefers cool and temperate climates. The soil should be moist and well-drained with a constant level of humidity as it does not tolerate drought. Planted as a standalone specimen, it will bring structure and verticality to the garden. In rows, along paths or entrances, even narrow ones, it will have an elegant and well-groomed presence. For more contrasting colours, plant it alongside other varieties with purple foliage ('Dawyck Purple') or golden foliage ('Dawyck Gold').