Fagus crenata
Japanese Beech
Mature Size, Growth, Longevity
Commonly grows to 70-90' tall and wide. Occasionally grows to over 110' in the wild. Forms a rounded crown, with dense, low branches to the ground. This tree has a very slow growth rate.
Native Range
Found growing naturally in forested and natural areas of Japan.
Flower and Fruit Details
The monoecious flowers are small and inconspicuous, and are pollinated by wind. The stalked fruit is a 3-winged nut inside a weakly spined husk. The unripe, raw nuts (seeds) are toxic to humans if eaten, causing stomach upset. After the nutmeats have ripened, they are rich in oil, and are edible raw or cooked, in small quantities.
Leaf and Bark Features
Deciduous: The leaves are similar to European Beech, but are smaller, more obovate, and toothed. Leaves are simple, alternate, w/ 7-11 pairs of veins, and are serrated (with one marginal tooth for each secondary vein). The tree casts a dense shade. Dead, brown leaves often remain on the tree through the winter, to protect the buds from the cold. In Japan, the young, green leaves are cooked for greens when they first emerge in the spring. Fall color is green/yellow/brown, and sometimes is rusty red. Notable Bark: Bark is smooth and light gray to whitish, or mottled with various shades of pale gray, dark gray, and greenish-gray, often with several large buttress roots creating an outward flare at the base, Surface roots may develop, due to their need for oxygen.
Culture and Care
Tolerates a wide variety of soils, but grows best in sandy and loamy soils that are well-drained. Tolerates acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. Can grow in deep shade in woodlands, semi-shade, but prefers full sun conditions. Hot summers are preferred. It does well in moist or dry soils. Zone 4-7(8). Avoid heavy, wet soils. Usually not serious, but could be attacked by aphids, wooly aphids, vine weevil, caterpillars, and spider mites.
Strengths, Weaknesses, Other Facts
Good wildlife value. 4-season interest: Spring, summer, fall & winter. Young trees on exposed sites are subject to frost damage in the spring. Overall, this plant is similar to European Beech, but has slightly different leaves (toothed and somewhat obovate).
Suggested Uses
Makes a good shade tree. Also used for bonsai.