Fagus sylvatica Dawyck Gold - Beech

The Fagus sylvatica 'Dawyck Gold' is an excellent variety of the common beech with a narrow columnar habit and golden foliage in spring, turning light green in summer and coppery yellow in autumn. This tree rarely exceeds 20m (65 ft 7 in) in height and has a spread of 6m (19 ft 8 in) at maturity. Its very dense semi-evergreen foliage acts as a windbreak and provides good privacy, drying in autumn and remaining on the branches until spring when new leaves appear. This variety is easy to grow and will be particularly interesting when planted in rows or as a specimen tree.

The beech tree, known as Fagus sylvatica in Latin, is an imposing tree with a spreading habit. Its cylindrical trunk is covered with smooth light grey bark. This tree can live for several centuries. Native to central Europe and the Caucasus, it is one of the most common tree species in European forests. It covers 10% of forests. Fagus sylvatica is the most popular beech tree grown, along with the oak tree. Its reddish wood is used in cabinet-making and for making wooden tools, toys, and as firewood. Very hardy, it can reach a height of 20m (65 ft 7 in) at maturity.

The cultivar 'Dawyck Gold' was obtained in 1969 in the Netherlands, at the Trompenburg Arboretum. It is believed to be a spontaneous cross between Fagus sylvatica 'Zlatia' and the cultivar 'Dawyck'. It has a columnar habit with a well-closed and dense crown. Its foliage consists of alternate elliptical leaves measuring 4 to 10cm (1.6 to 3.9 in) in length. The leaf margins are wavy and villous. They have 5 to 9 pairs of lateral veins. When they first emerge, the leaves are golden yellow. They turn light green in summer and coppery yellow in autumn. They are marcescent, meaning they dry out while remaining on the tree until the following spring, when new leaves appear. The flowers appear almost at the same time as the leaves. From April to May, barely visible monoecious cream-colored flowers appear. Male flowers are arranged in pendulous catkins measuring 40 to 60mm (1.6 to 2.4 in). The female flowers are grouped in 2 to 4 at the ends of the branches. Mature trees produce shiny brown prickly fruits called beech nuts. These fruits, measuring 12 to 18mm (0.5 to 0.7 in) in length, are edible in small quantities. Mountain dwellers used to use them to make flour.

The Fagus sylvatica 'Dawyck Gold' is a hardy, low-maintenance tree. It prefers partial shade and non-intense sunlight, and thrives in cool and temperate climates. The soil should be moist and well-drained, with a constant level of humidity as it does not tolerate drought. When planted as a specimen tree, it brings structure and verticality to the garden. When planted in rows along narrow paths or entrances, it creates a bright and well-groomed presence. Its foliage can be enhanced by pairing it with trees or shrubs with contrasting foliage, such as the 'Dawyck Purple' cultivar with purple leaves.