You know the drill for a classic summer day: towel, sunscreen, head to the beach. At the Arboretum, we do things a little differently — swap the sand for shade and spend your day at the beech instead. No waves, but plenty of cool, leafy canopy and a breeze rustling through the branches.
Meet the European beech
Along the Beech Trail below the Overlook Trail, you may come across a tree dropping small, triangular nuts. If so, you are likely greeting the European Beech (Fagus sylvatica), proudly displaying its distinctive beechnuts. These elegant trees are especially beautiful in summer, with their smooth gray bark and easily recognizable glossy green leaves that shimmer in the light.
Look for the following leaf features:
- Ovate to elliptical leaves, typically 2 to 4 inches long
- Parallel veins with wavy or slightly toothed margins
- A distinctive glossy green surface that catches sunlight beautifully
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern
European Beech Cultivars at the Arboretum
Tricolour Beech
Fagus sylvatica ‘Roseomarginata’
A slow-growing ornamental prized for its dramatic, variegated (displaying multiple colours), watercolor-like foliage in shades of pink, cream, and green. Its leaf margins are especially vivid in spring and early summer, gradually mellowing as the season progresses, which makes it a favourite for gardeners seeking year-round visual interest rather than a single seasonal peak.
Weeping European Beech
Fagus sylvatica ‘Pendula’
Known for its graceful, cascading branches that form a sweeping, umbrella-like canopy. Some specimens can grow quite large over time, with branches that sweep all the way to the ground, creating natural, secluded pockets of shade beneath their canopy — almost like a living room with green walls.
River’s Purple Beech
Fagus sylvatica ‘Riversii’
Admired for its deep purple spring foliage, smooth bark, and statuesque form. The colour is most intense on new growth, often softening to a bronzy-green by late summer as chlorophyll partially reasserts itself. This cultivar is part of the “Atropunicea” group of purple-leaved trees grown from seed or propagated for their rich coloration, meaning individual trees can vary slightly in depth of colour depending on their lineage.
Until the Next Season’s Walk
The Beech Trail at Hoyt Arboretum proves that summer doesn’t need bright blooms to dazzle. From the glossy leaves of the European Beech to the striking colour of its cultivars, this underrated trail has a quiet brilliance and is one of my favourite places to spend a summer day.
Until the next season’s walk, may these leaves continue to inspire curiosity, care, and a deeper appreciation for the living landscape around us.
About the Author
Sailatha Theagaraj (she/ her/hers) is a recent volunteer at Hoyt Arboretum, having moved to the region not long ago. Sai holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Science and Technology and brings global experience in environmental sustainability, sustainability consulting, green building certifications, and circular economy work. She has led sustainability initiatives for major infrastructure projects and has trained many professionals in environmental sustainability practices. Her favourite places in the Arboretum are the Conifer Collection and enjoying a quiet moment at the Stevens Pavilion, listening to the surrounding sounds of nature. She is passionate about conservation, sustainability education, and environmental awareness.