Copper vs Purple

Discussion in 'Fagaceae (beeches, oaks, etc.)' started by Ben Stanhope, Dec 3, 2020.

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  1. Ben Stanhope

    Ben Stanhope New Member

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    I have recently been looking to plant a Beech tree with future generations in mind. My preference would be for a beech that displays bright red foliage in autumn. Whilst searching I have come across references to both purple and copper beech trees (Fagus Sylvatica Purpurea/Cuprea Respectively) Are these simply different names for the same thing or is there a distinction?
     
  2. Acerholic

    Acerholic Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator VCBF Cherry Scout Maple Society

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    Good morning Ben and welcome to the forum, you are right in that Cuprea is a synonym. It is one of those very annoying things in the plant world, too many names for the same tree.
     
  3. Daniel Mosquin

    Daniel Mosquin Paragon of Plants UBC Botanical Garden Forums Administrator Forums Moderator 10 Years

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  4. Michael F

    Michael F Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    There's dozens of named Copper Beech cultivars; they all - like the wild green species type - turn more-or-less the same orange-brown in autumn. Personally, I'd go for the natural green one, as the copper/purple ones suck all the light out of their surrounds in summer. Of Copper Beech, Mitchell (Field Guide to the Trees of Britain and Northern Europe) says:
    He is of course, completely right ツ
     

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