- This is what the leaves of the copper beech look like
- That is why the leaves of the copper beech are dark red
- Coloring of the leaves in the course of the year
- Recognize pest infestation on the leaves
Copper beeches do particularly well in parks and parks. The dark red of the leaves, which turn to a bright orange in autumn, stands out decoratively against the green deciduous trees. What you should know about copper beech leaves.
The copper beech does not only have red leaves in autumn
This is what the leaves of the copper beech look like
- Ovate with a small stalk
- tapering
- serrated on the edge
- red-brown or green-red when sprouting
- orange in autumn
The leaf shape is similar to that of all other beech species. The leaves are ovate and tapered at the end. The edge is slightly serrated.
Copper beeches are deciduous trees. Before winter, the leaves dry up and fall off.
That is why the leaves of the copper beech are dark red
Beech trees have green leaves. They are only called red beech because of the fresh wood, which has a reddish tinge. The copper beech differs from the red beech in its striking red-brown leaf colour.
It occurs because the red pigment cyanidin is present in the leaves to such a high degree that it almost completely covers the green pigment (chlorophyll).
Coloring of the leaves in the course of the year
In spring, the leaves sprout in their characteristic shade of red. It can vary from dark red to green-red.
In autumn, the leaves take on the typical orange-red coloration, which is particularly intense in the second and third week of November.
The leaves then turn green and fall off.
Recognize pest infestation on the leaves
In autumn, the leaves of the copper beech curl up before they fall. However, if the leaves curl up and dry up before then, pests such as the beech ornamental aphid or the beech wool aphid are often at work.
A light infestation makes little difference to a healthy copper beech. But if the tree is weakened, you have to fight the pests.
There are special products on the market that are mainly used during the winter. As a preventive measure, ensure that the tree has sufficient nutrients available. Avoid nitrogen-rich fertilizers.
tips
Together with the leaves, the rather inconspicuous flowers also sprout in spring. They are reddish in color and have a pointed shape. However, it takes at least 30 years for a copper beech to blossom for the first time and then bear fruit.