Description
Nothofagus – Southern Beech –
There are about 35 species of fast growing evergreen or deciduous trees and shrubs in this genus. They occur in the southern Hemisphere (New Guinea and New Caledonia to Australia, New Zealand, and South America), where they occur as forest trees from sea level to the mountains. They produce dark green. Alternate, simple, smooth edge or toothed, sometimes wavy edge leaves. They bear insignificant fruits and flowers. They are grown for their habit and foliage, and, incase of deciduous species for their attractive autumn rich bronze hues in fall. Grow as specimen trees in a large garden or woodland garden. In the wild, they often attain much greater height than in cultivation.
Grow in fertile, moist but well drained, acidic soil in full sun. Shelter evergreen species from strong cold winds, at least when young. Protect from salt laden winds.
Prone to root rot.
N. fusca – New Zealand Red Beech – Red Beech – This fast growing, attractive, erect evergreen has a dome shaped crown and average 20-40′ feet tall in cultivation and up to 120′ feet in the wild. It has rusty brown to almost black and furrowed, flaking bark on old trees. It produces oval to egg shaped, coarsely serrated, leaves, to 2″ long, immature leaves turn reddish bronze in cooler weather. Small, green flowers are followed by seed cups, each containing 3 angular seeds.
Zones 8-10
