Fagus sylvatica 'Tortuosa Purpurea'
Common name: 
Contorted Purple Beech
Parasol Beech
Contorted Purple European Beech
Pronunciation: 
FA-gus sil-VAT-i-ka
Family: 
Fagaceae
Genus: 
Fagus
Type: 
Broadleaf
Native to (or naturalized in) Oregon: 
No

  • Broadleaf, deciduous, dwarf tree, variable habit (more than one clone?), but usually much wider than tall.  It may reach a height of 10-15 ft  (3-4.5 m) tall.  A broad dome of dark foliage on a short trunk, sometimes referred at a Parasol Beech.  It has twisted and partly pendulous branches which carry normal reddish purple leaves that turn bronze in fall.  Its short stature and broad, compact branching creates winter interest.

  • Best in sun on well-drained rich soil with regular watering. 

  • Hardy to USDA Zone 4

  • Silverton, Oregon: The Oregon Garden

Click image to enlarge
  • plant habit, early summer

    plant habit, early summer

  • leaves, early summer

    leaves, early summer