Fagus sylvatica Dentata

Fagus sylvatica 'Dentata' is a variety of Common Beech with original foliage. This slow-growing tree forms a small tree of 10 m in height at maturity, with an oval and slightly elongated crown. The variety is characterised by elliptical leaves with coarsely toothed edges with teeth that can reach about 1 cm in length. The well-marked toothed edge is very elegant. Its leaves are green and turn yellow in autumn. This hardy Beech grows in full sun or partial shade, in most soils that are rather moist and humus-bearing.

The Beech, in Latin Fagus sylvatica, is an imposing tree with a spreading habit. Its cylindrical trunk is covered with smooth, light grey bark. 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 reaching a height of 20 m at maturity. Its reddish wood is used in cabinetmaking and for the production of wooden tools and toys as well as firewood. It is a member of the Fagaceae family, which also includes the Oak, Chestnut, and a few other lesser-known genera.

The compact cultivar 'Dentata' is a slow-growing selection that reaches a height of 10 m at maturity and a width of 5 to 6 m. With a very dense branching, this bush forms an oval to slightly elongated crown. Its natural shape can be accentuated by appropriate pruning, it can even be made into a pseudo-bonsai. It is distinguished by elegant foliage, regularly and deeply toothed. Measuring from 5 to 10 cm in length, the leaves have an elongated elliptical shape with a pointed tip. They are unique and easily recognisable by their fairly deep toothed edge. Tender green in season, their slightly glossy surface is marked by a prominent central vein. In autumn, the foliage turns to a very ornamental golden yellow before browning and remaining on the branches for a long time before finally falling to the ground. In April, barely visible beige monoecious flowers appear. The male flowers are grouped in pendulous catkins, while the female flowers are grouped in 2 to 4 at the ends of the branches. Mature specimens produce shiny brown beech nuts covered with bristly prickles. These fruits are edible in small quantities. Mountain dwellers used to use them to make flour.
Hardy down to around -26°C, it can still suffer from late frosts. Growing in most soils, it appreciates a certain amount of humus and moisture, as drought is its enemy. Loamy or sandy loam soils are well-suited, as are sunny or partially shaded exposures.

Fagus sylvatica 'Dentata' is an architectural tree with attractive foliage, which can be planted in medium to large gardens. Requiring little maintenance, except for some watering during hot periods, it is an original variety that deserves to be planted more. Plant it as a specimen or in a large shrub border. Well-tolerant of pruning, it can be shaped to accentuate its natural form and become the central element of an architectural scene. Have fun creating a miniature border by planting a Dwarf Birch (Betula nana) next to it, a ground-covering shrub whose reduced foliage takes on magnificent reddish-orange tones in autumn, which will perfectly match the golden hues of the Beech. Another extremely sculptural subject, Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Nana Aurea' is a Japanese Hinoki Cypress whose foliage is arranged in cup-like structures arranged randomly. And to combine exceptional foliage with bright flowering, Mahonia 'Soft Caress' will be a perfect companion for your Beech, with its fern-like leaves and yellow autumnal flowers.