Fagus sylvatica ‘Dawyck Purple’

The beech tree has long been cherished by landscapers through the ages, spawning a variety of cultivars boasting diverse shapes and hues. The ‘Dawyck Purple’ traces its roots to the Trompenburg Arboretum in Holland, where it was discovered in the summer of 1973. Dick Van Hoey Smith, the Arboretum’s Director, recognised the unique potential of the Dawyck variant. During a mast year, when the beech tree produces an abundance of nuts, Smith gathered numerous seeds. Out of over 100 seedlings, four had characteristics of a red-leaved beech, eventually giving rise to the distinctive purple-leaved variety we know as ‘Dawyck Purple’. Originated at the same time as ‘Dawyck Gold’ but in this case the pollen parent was a purple beech, narrower and not as dense as the gold.

This tree exhibits a strikingly tall, tight pyramidal canopy that can grow beyond 20m in height. Despite its commanding presence, it maintains a modest width, rarely exceeding 3m. This compact profile lends itself to a myriad of applications, from shading narrow medians to creating captivating landscape designs. It serves as an ideal focal point for corporate headquarters and business parks aiming for a structured and meticulous landscape aesthetic.