Fagus sylvatica ‘Asplenifolia’ | Cut-leaf Beech | Fern-leaf Beech

The Fagus sylvatica 'Asplenifolia' is a cultivar of the Fagus sylvatica, Common Beech. This tree has a pyramidal shape when young but broadens with maturity and can become as wide as it is tall. This is a stunning specimen tree noted for its distinctive foliage that is delicate, long and narrow. The deeply cut lobes give a soft fern-like appearance in dark, glossy green throughout summer, turning a blaze of beautiful golden-yellow in autumn. The leaves remain on the tree late into winter. As with other types of this species, this tree has a smooth, grey bark and produces beech nuts that ripen and fall in the autumn. The Fagus sylvatica 'Asplenifolia' is a hardy tree that will thrive in most well-drained soil, but may struggle in heavy clay and exposed locations. Often planted as a solitary tree, this specimen will shine in parklands with plenty of space to mature.