Purple Twisted Beech

A unusual and fascinating architectural specimen, Fagus sylvatica 'Tortuosa Purpurea', or Purple Twisted Beech, is a slow-growing deciduous tree is defined by its extraordinary, gnarled growth habit. Its branches twist, contort, and weep in a serpentine fashion, creating a sculptural silhouette that is just as striking in the winter as it is in full leaf. The foliage emerges in spring as a deep, lustrous purple-black, with the characteristic "wavy" beech leaf texture. As the seasons progress, the color matures to a rich burgundy-bronze before turning a warm coppery-gold in autumn. Because of its "pendulous-contorted" nature, it rarely develops a central leader, instead forming a low, spreading, mound-like canopy that looks like a living piece of dark-leafed art. It is a perfect choice for focal points, rock gardens, or as a centerpiece in a courtyard where its intricate framework can be admired up close.

Site: Tolerates some exposure
Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile, chalky soil, but is quite adaptable
Position: Colours best in full sun
Season of interest: Year round
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height:  6–10ft (2-3m) after 20 years.  Spread: 8-13’ (2.5-4m) 

Photo by Mike Finn, cropped, and licensed under CC BY 2.0.