Nothofagus fusca
| Nothofagus fusca | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 9 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-7.3 |
| Evergreen | |
| Height: | 115' |
| Speed: | Fast |
| Open Woods Forest | |
| Native to: | |
| Tea: | Yes |
 | |
Nothofagus fusca (common name: red beech)
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[1]. 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[2] whilst another says that the seed can be stored dry at 2°c for long periods[1].
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 6 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame[3].
Layering.
Cultivation: Prefers an open well-drained loamy soil in a sunny position[4][1]. Succeeds on most soils but dislikes calcareous soils[5][1]. Prefers a pH between 5 and 7, but dislikes acid peats[1].
A very ornamental tree[4], in Britain it is only hardy south and west of south Surrey[4]. Two forms are being grown at Crarae in western Scotland, the first is doing well whilst the second is much weaker when young but then seems to improve[6].
Trees have poor wind resistance in Britain, probably because they grow so fast[5].
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[1].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[1].
Range: New Zealand.
Habitat: Lowland to montane forests southwards from 37°s, on North and South Islands[7].
Usage: A black dye is obtained from the bark[8].
The bark is a source of tannin[8].
Wood - fine quality. Used for indoor work, mine props etc[9][10].
Pollinators: Wind
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
In Leaf: Evergreen
Flower Type: Monoecious
Also Known As: Fagus fusca.
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ McMillan-Browse, Philip. Hardy Woody Plants from Seed. Grower Books, 1985.
- ↑ Sheat, Wilfrid. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. St Martin, 1948.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Bean, William. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Murray, 1981.
- ↑ Letter from Crarae Garden March 1993. 1993.
- ↑ Allan, Harry. Flora of New Zealand. Government Printer Publications, 1961.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Brooker, Stanley. Economic Native Plants of New Zealand. Oxford University Press, 1991.
- ↑ Uphof, Johannes. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim, 1959.
- ↑ Usher, George. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable, 1974.