Fagus sylvatica Luteovariegata - Beech

Fagus sylvatica 'Luteovariegata' is a tall tree reaching 15 to 20 m in height. It is recognisable by its colourful foliage and graceful silhouette. Its leaves are variegated with golden yellow on a darker green, which fades to light green in summer. Its grey, smooth bark is very attractive. It is also highly appreciated for its dense marcescent brownish foliage, which remains on the branches until spring. With a long lifespan, this beautiful tree deserves a prime location to become a notable specimen in the garden.

Fagus sylvatica, commonly known as common beech, is a species of deciduous trees native to Europe and belongs to the Fagaceae family, like oak and chestnut. It is one of the main forest species in deciduous temperate forests in Europe. It is found in pure beech forests and, more often, with other species in leafy forests, mainly with the English oak or in mixed forests with silver fir or common spruce. It is an indication of a humid temperate climate. Foresters use it to produce timber for furniture and, in mountain areas, for firewood.

The 'Luteovariegata' variety, whose origin is quite unknown, was first described in England around 1770. Lutea or Luteo comes from the Latin word luteus, which means yellow. This very old variety can live for a long time. It forms a slender tree with a straight trunk and a conical to oval crown when young, spreading more as it ages. It has normal growth, but slower than the species, reaching 15 to 20 m in height with a spread of approximately 6 to 10 m at maturity. In an optimal environment, its growth can reach up to 25 m in height. The branches are smooth and greyish. The leaves are alternate, petiolate, ovate, 5 to 10 cm long and wavy on the leaf margin. In spring, they are light green to medium green in the centre, variegated and marginated with yellow, gradually turning more greenish throughout summer. In autumn, the foliage takes on yellowish-brown hues and remains on the tree in winter, only falling when new leaves appear. In spring, around April-May, there are discreet and quite insignificant flowers. The male flowers, grouped in pendulous catkins of 40 to 60 mm, are pale yellow, while the green female flowers are grouped in 2 to 4 at the end of the branches. In autumn, the beech nuts, which are the fruits of the beech, begin to appear in bristly woody husks.

The Yellow Variegated Beech is a robust and cold-resistant tree, down to -30°C. Its silhouette and colourful foliage add a touch of originality to the landscape. It can be planted alone or in groups, for filtered shade or to add colour to the garden. It thrives in slightly acidic to alkaline, deep, well-drained, and humus-rich soils. A sunny exposure is preferable, although a slightly shaded area is tolerated. Beware, stagnant water or lack of water can cause leaf burn in hot weather. Its shallow root system excludes any planting at its base. It is perfect for large lawns, parks, streets, squares, and gardens, but not for small areas.