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Woody > Fagus > Fagus sylvatica > Fagus sylvatica var. heterophylla 'Asplenifolia'

Fagus sylvatica

var. heterophylla 'Asplenifolia'


Fern Leaf Beech




Origin:  France. Introduced in 1804 by Conrad Loddiges and Sons nursery of England.
            Mike's Opinion

this is Mike

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A beautiful version of F. sylvatica, the deeply dissected leaves give the tree a more delicate appearance. It is slower growing than F. sylvatica.



Michael Pascoe, NDP., ODH., CLT., MSc. (Plant Conservation)

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Family
Fagaceae
Genus
Fagus
Species
sylvatica
Cultivar
'Asplenifolia'
Category
Woody
Type
Tree (deciduous)
Variety
heterophylla
Pronunciation
USDA Hardiness Zone
6b - 7a
Canadian Hardiness Zone
6b
RHS Hardiness Zone
H6 (observed growing well in H7)
Temperature (°C)
-20 to -15
Temperature (°F)
4 - 5
Height
16 m
Spread
13 m
Photographs
Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
April
General Description
A very graceful form of European beech with finely cut fern-like foliage. It is easy to transplant due to its shallow root system.
Landscape
A tree which offers deep shade as a specimen. Although rarely seen, it can be planted in a row and pruned into a tall hedge.
Shape
Broadly oval.
Growth
Slow
ID Characteristic
A very beautiful cultivar with gracefully narrow leaves that produce a fern-like foliage effect.
Habitat
Horticultural origin.
Bark/Stem Description
Grey, smooth and usually developes an elephant hide appearance on old trucks.
Leaf Description
Leaves are narrow, lanceolate and variously cut and lobed. Leaf colour is dark green changing to golden brown in autumn.
Flower Description
Monoecious, ornamentally insignificant and partially obscured by the expanding foliage.
Fruit Description
Three-sided, pointed nuts, which tend to be quickly devoured by squirrels and birds.
Colour Description
Leaves are lustrous dark green which change to an excellent golden brown in autumn.
Texture Description
Medium.
Notable Specimens
Niagara Parks, Botanical Gardens, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.
Propagation
Full sun to partial sun, performs best in deep, rich, evenly moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils.
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