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Nothofagus menziesii - (Hook.f.)Oerst.

Common Name Silver Beech
Family Fagaceae
USDA hardiness 8-11
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Lowland to montane forest or a shrub in the sub-alpine zone, southwards from latitude 37° south in North and South Islands[44].
Range New Zealand.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (3 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Half Hardy Moist Soil Full sun
Nothofagus menziesii Silver Beech


(c) Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust
Nothofagus menziesii Silver Beech
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Kahuroa

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of cone
Nothofagus menziesii is an evergreen Tree growing to 20 m (65ft) by 12 m (39ft) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Fagus menziesii.

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy;

Edible Uses

None known

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Dye  Tannin  Wood

A black dye is obtained from the bark[153]. The bark is a source of tannin[153]. Wood - tough, strong, elastic, not durable outdoors. Used for house blocks, wine cases etc[46, 61].

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers an open well-drained loamy soil in a sunny position[1, 200]. Succeeds on most soils but dislikes calcareous soils[11, 200]. Prefers a pH between 5 and 7, but dislikes acid peats[200]. A very ornamental tree[1], in Britain it is only hardy south and west of mid Sussex[1]. Trees are growing well at Crarae in western Scotland[191]. Trees have poor wind resistance in Britain, probably because they grow so fast[11]. Trees up to 4 metres tall can be successfully established, though the optimum size for transplanting is about 30 - 80cm. The roots are very sensitive to desiccation and extreme care should be taken when transplanting them[200]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Plant Propagation

The seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cool greenhouse or cold frame. Spring-sown seed requires 2 - 3 months stratification at 1 - 5°c[200]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in the cold frame for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. The seed must not be allowed to dry out according to one report[80] whilst another says that the seed can be stored dry at 2°c for long periods[200]. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 6 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame[78]. Layering.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Nothofagus betuloides Tree20.0 6-9 FLMHNM002
Nothofagus cunninghamiiMyrtle BeechTree55.0 8-11 FLMHNM002
Nothofagus fuscaRed BeechTree35.0 8-11 FLMHNM003
Nothofagus obliquaRoblé, Roble beechTree20.0 6-9 FLMHNM003
Nothofagus proceraRauliTree20.0 6-9 FLMHNM003
Nothofagus pumilioLengaTree40.0 6-9 MLMHNM101
Nothofagus solanderiBlack BeechTree30.0 7-10 FLMHNM002
Nothofagus solanderi cliffortioidesMountain BeechTree30.0 7-10 FLMHNM002

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

(Hook.f.)Oerst.

Botanical References

1144200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment

Darryl Nightingale   Tue Sep 12 2006

New Zealand plant Conservation Network Contains images and info on where to buy Silver Beech plants. "Members of the Network... collaborate to protect and restore New Zealand's indigenous plant life and their natural habitats and associated species"

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Subject : Nothofagus menziesii  
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