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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Nothofagus obliqua is a deciduous Tree growing to 20 m (65ft) by 15 m (49ft) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. 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 obliqua.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy; Hedge;

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

Fuel Hedge Hedge Wood

A fast growing tree, it can be used as a hedge or windbreak[188]. Another report suggests that it is not a good wind resister[11]. Wood - heavy, hard, durable, very good quality. Used for furniture, ship-building, interior joinery. A very good fuel[11, 46].

Special Uses

Hedge Hedge

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers an open well-drained loamy soil in a sunny position[1, 200]. Succeeds on most soils, including sandy ones[188], but dislikes calcareous soils[11]. Prefers a pH between 5 and 7, but dislikes acid peats[200]. Plants can be damaged in severe winters when young but they become hardier with age. They succeed at Crarae in western Scotland[191]. Prefers a cool wet summer in a temperate maritime climate[200] but it also does well in a Mediterranean climate with as little as 400mm of rain a year[200]. A very ornamental tree[1], it often self-sows in Britain[11]. Responds well to coppicing[11]. 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 moving plants[200]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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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

Native Plant Search

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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 itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Other
Nothofagus betuloides		Tree	20.0	6-9	F	LMH	N	M	0	2
Nothofagus cunninghamii	Myrtle Beech	Tree	55.0	8-11	F	LMH	N	M	0	2
Nothofagus fusca	Red Beech	Tree	35.0	8-11	F	LMH	N	M	0	3
Nothofagus menziesii	Silver Beech	Tree	20.0	8-11	F	LMH	N	M	0	3
Nothofagus procera	Rauli	Tree	20.0	6-9	F	LMH	N	M	0	3
Nothofagus pumilio	Lenga	Tree	40.0	6-9	M	LMH	N	M	1	1
Nothofagus solanderi	Black Beech	Tree	30.0	7-10	F	LMH	N	M	0	2
Nothofagus solanderi cliffortioides	Mountain Beech	Tree	30.0	7-10	F	LMH	N	M	0	2

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.

Nothofagus obliqua - (Mirb.)Blume.