Fagus Sylvatica Zlatia Golden Beech

Fagus Sylvatica Zlatia Golden Beech
The epithet that differentiates Fagus Sylvatica Zlatia was well chosen, as it is derived from the Serbian word for gold, “zlato”. A cultivar of the common beech, this variety is prized for its young, soft yellow to golden foliage. With an attractive habit and lovely foliage, Golden Beech is perfectly suited to be grown as a focus of interest in the garden.

Early to leaf, this tree displays its foliage weeks before any of its close relatives. Unfolding soft gold in the early spring, the wave-edged, elliptic leaves mature to medium to dark green over the summer, only to turn to vivid shade of yellow in the autumn. The insignificant flowers give way to nuts, hidden inside spiny capsules. The nuts are a favourite with wildlife.

Robust and undemanding, this cultivar can successfully adapt to various conditions. If you want to make sure your Golden Beech will thrive, plant it in a moist, well-drained soil, in a spot in full sun to dappled shade. It is important to note that too much exposure to strong sunlight can scorch the foliage, so make sure you pick the right location for growing this spectacular tree.

First discovered in 1890, near the city of Vranje in Serbia, Fagus Sylvatica Zlatia is a reliable performer with a good track record. With its ability to withstand frost and low winter temperatures, this common beech variety is fully hardy in the United Kingdom. With an average growth rate, Golden Beech can achieve a maximum height of 12 to 18 metres with a broad crown of 10 to 18 metres in width. This classifies it as a small to mid-sized deciduous tree. To maintain the good health and attractive form of the tree, simply remove any dead or damaged growth. Once established, this tree will tolerate drought and urban pollution.

Distinct among the species for its golden foliage, Fagus Sylvatica Zlatia has the habit and the qualities needed to make a great candidate for a specimen tree. As its canopy is quite dense, it also makes an excellent shade tree, so plant it near a patio to fully appreciate all this cultivar has to offer.

See also other Fagus Sylvatica cultivars such as the magnificent weeping Fagus Sylvatica Purpurea Pendula, Fagus Sylvatica Red Obelisk, and Fagus Sylvatica Atropunicea one of the best beech cultivars to use for hedging. Lots more choice in our deciduous trees section.