The Franken Beech

Fagus sylvatica 'Franken'

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Franken Beech

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This rare beech tree is notable for it’s stunning bright white leaves. As a young tree, it has green foliage with spotted white flecks, but as it ages white variegation becomes increasingly prominent.

Due to the lack of pigmentation in the leaves, the tree is exceptionally slow growing, gaining only 2 – 5 inches a year to a maximum height of 12ft. It is happiest amongst woodland margins in a temperate climate - too much sun may cause the foliage to scorch. Here it is situated in the Dell, where it provides an eye-catching highlight in the shade.

The foliage is palest in early spring alongside inconspicuous yellow-green flowers. As the seasons progress, the leaves darken, eventually turning orange/tan and producing spiny, capsule-like fruit in autumn.