Beech leaves are green
Despite the name red beech, the leaves of the tree are green. The red in the name indicates the reddish color of the wood. Also the Buds and new shoots are reddish in color.
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The leaves of the European beech have the following characteristics:
- Leaf shape: egg-shaped, oval. Veined leaves, slightly wavy
- Leaf margin: only slightly serrated
- Sheet size: 5 - 11 cm long, 3 - 8 cm wide
- Leaf arrangement: alternate
- Leaves shoot: from March
- Autumn color: orange-red
Only copper beeches have red leaves
If you come across a beech tree with red, dark red, or greenish-red foliage along the way, then it is one Copper beech (Fagus sylvatica f. purpurea). It is also called purple beech because of its striking leaves.
In the Copper beech it is a mutation of the common beech. In their leaves there is a very high proportion of red leaf pigments that turn the foliage red.
In order for the leaves of a copper beech to shine brightly in color, the tree needs a location that is as sunny as possible.
Decorative autumn colors of the beech leaves
In addition to the Cut tolerance the color of the autumn leaves of the red beech is one of the reasons for its popularity.
The leaves turn from green to bright orange-red. The color is most intense in mid-November, before the leaves dry up and turn brown.
Beech leaves hang on the tree during winter
European beech trees are deciduous trees. In contrast to other deciduous trees, however, they do not lose their leaves in autumn. The leaves remain for the most part during the Winter hang. They are dried up and brown in color.
Only when the new beech shoots do the old leaves fall off. They are then very thin and can simply be rubbed with your fingers.
The fallen leaves should be left under the beech. There it forms a good protection against the drying out of the soil. The leaves also release nutrients. But you may only have healthy foliage without pests or Diseases leave in the garden.
Abnormalities on the leaves of the European beech
If the leaves of the European beech change color, roll up or wilt prematurely, diseases, pests or a lack of nutrients may be present. Sometimes it's just too damp or too wet.
If the leaves are very light, the common beech lacks iron. An iron-based fertilizer improves the soil.
Fungal diseases and pests make themselves felt through various symptoms. Examine the leaves carefully and, if infested, cut off all affected parts generously.
Tips
The leaves of the Hornbeam have a leaf shape similar to that of the common beech. But they differ in size and the heavily sawn edge. Hornbeam leaves also look a bit older when rubbed with your fingers.