Handsome, deciduous tree, to 30-50 ft tall with good structure — open with arching branches — in maturity. Oval leaves are bluish above and paler beneath for that flashy bicolor effect. Toothed on the margins as well. The bark is silver-gray, resembling a true beech. Deciduous with autumn color in gold, orange, and even red. Best in sun to part shade. Accepting of summer water but tolerant of periods of summer drought. Frost hardy in upper USDA zone 7.

SOUTHERN BEECH

Nothofagaceae