Weeping beech

Tree Information
 
Tree Information  
Latin Name Fagus sylvatica “Pendula”
Order Fagales
Family Fagaceae
Common Name Weeping beech
Other Names Weeping European beech
Native Range No native range: first cultivated in England, sometime before 1836
Supported Wildlife Nesting birds and numerous insects
Uses Park landscaping
Year Planted Before 1952
Location 47°41'05.6"N 8°40'37.2"E

About this tree

Fagus sylvatica “Pendula” is a striking weeping form of the European beech, native to central and western Europe. This cultivar features long, cascading branches that may reach the ground, creating a dramatic, dome-like silhouette. It can grow up to 20 m tall, depending on how it is trained and pruned. The leaves are oval, glossy, and dark green, turning rich copper and gold in autumn. Its smooth grey bark and weeping form give it a sculptural presence year-round. In spring, the tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers followed by beechnuts in autumn, which serve as food for birds and small mammals. The dense structure provides shelter for nesting birds and insects. Weeping beech thrives in fertile, well-drained soil and does best in full sun to partial shade. It is often used as a solitary focal point in large gardens and parks. An unusual feature is the individuality of each specimen. Due to the unpredictable nature of the drooping branches, no two weeping beeches grow alike. Sometimes they form enclosed “tree rooms” underneath – as is the case in the arboretum of the Paradies monastery. Though requiring space and time to mature, the weeping beech’s architectural beauty is unmatched in landscape design.