The leaves of the common beech have a characteristic leaf shape that distinguishes them from other deciduous trees. Another special feature of beech leaves is that they often stay on the tree for a very long time.

Beech leaves are green and only turn bright red in autumn

Beech leaves are green

Despite the name copper beech, the leaves of the tree are green. The red in the name refers to the reddish color of the wood. The buds and new shoots also have a reddish colour.

The leaves of the red beech have the following characteristics:

  • Leaf shape: ovate, oval. Veined leaves, slightly wavy
  • Leaf margin: only slightly serrate
  • Leaf size: 5 - 11 cm long, 3 - 8 cm wide
  • Leaf arrangement: alternate
  • Leaf shoots: from March
  • Autumn colour: orange-red

Only copper beeches have red foliage

If you come across a beech with red, dark red or green-red foliage along the way, it is a copper beech (Fagus sylvatica f. purpurea). It is also called purple beech because of its striking leaves.

The copper beech is a mutation of the common beech. Its leaves contain a very high proportion of red leaf pigments, which turn the foliage red.

In order for the leaves of a copper beech to shine brightly, the tree needs a location that is as sunny as possible.

Decorative autumn coloring of the beech leaves

In addition to being easy to cut, the color of the autumn leaves of the red beech is one reason for its popularity.

The leaves turn from green to a bright orange-red. The color is at its most intense in mid-November, before the leaves dry up and turn brown.

Beech leaves hang on the tree over winter

Beech trees are deciduous trees. Unlike other deciduous trees, however, they do not lose their leaves in autumn. The leaves remain hanging for the most part during the winter. They have dried up and are brown in colour.

The old leaves only fall off when the red beech starts to sprout again. They are wafer-thin and can be easily rubbed with your fingers.

You should leave the fallen leaves under the red beech. It forms a good protection against drying out of the soil. The leaves also release nutrients. However, you may only leave healthy foliage without pests or diseases in the garden.

Abnormalities on the leaves of the red beech

If the leaves of the copper beech discolour, curl up or wither prematurely, diseases, pests or a lack of nutrients may be the cause. Sometimes it's just too damp or too wet.

If the leaves are very light, the copper beech lacks iron. An iron-rich fertilizer improves the soil.

Fungal diseases and pests are noticeable through various symptoms. Examine the leaves carefully and, if infested, generously cut off all affected parts.

tips

The leaves of the hornbeam have a leaf shape similar to that of the common beech. However, they differ in size and the strongly sawn edge. Hornbeam leaves also look a little older when rubbed with the fingers.

Category:

Trees