Identity
Category :
Arbre remarquable
Latin name :
Fagus sylvatica f. purpurea
French name :
Hêtre pourpre
Dutch name :
Rode beuk
English name :
Copper beech, Purple European Beech
Family :
Fagaceae
Height :
32 m
Targeted height :
This species can grow up to 45 m
Diameter of the crown :
12 m
Trunk circumference :
346 cm
Expected circumference :
800 cm
Expected longevity :
Can live for 350 years
Origin / Indigenous
Central and western Europe
Favorite soil :
Rich, well aerated, well drained
Favorite climate
Humid, with regular rain
Usefulness and services of the tree :
Enhances the landscape :
+
Enhances the biodiversity :
++
Provide oxygen :
++
Purify the air :
++
Filter the water :
+++
Prevents flooding :
+++
Stores carbon :
+
Softens the climate :
++
Limits soil erosion :
Does good, heals :
+++
Collection of the Belgian Federal State on permanent loan to the Meise Botanical Garden: Duhamel, Traité des arbres et arbustes, vol. 2, pl. 24, 1804
Features and characters of the individual
With its upright trunk and high crown, this copper/purple beech could be mistaken for a common beech from the Sonian Forest. In winter, you could well be caught at the foot of this tree next to its grey bark, which is reminiscent of an elephant’s foot. The horizontal line just above the ground is a sign of an old graft, typical of this species. In spring, its foliage turns an unmistakable, deep red-burgundy. Its colour makes it stand out from the plot of trees where it grows, and helps it fulfil its role as a decorative tree in the park.
