Nothofagus antarctica aka Antarctic Beech

Nothofagus antarctica is native to southern Chile and Argentina, primarily found in diminishing temperate rainforests from approximately 36°S to Tierra del Fuego (56°S). It extends from Cape Horn into the Andes mountains and was once considered the southernmost tree on earth when observed on Hoste Island, though it was later discovered that N. betuloides exists slightly further south.

Antarctic beech thrives in fertile, lime-free soil with acidic pH levels. It tolerates clay, loam, and sandy substrates but requires moist yet well-drained conditions. The tree will not grow well in shallow, chalky (alkaline) soil and prefers moderately fertile, acidic to neutral, well-draining soil for optimal growth.

Nothofagus antarctica is extremely cold-hardy, tolerating temperatures from -15°C to -20°C (-4°F to 5°F). It is hardy to USDA zones 6-8 and rated H6 in the UK RHS system, meaning it can withstand severe frost and is perfectly hardy throughout the UK and northern Europe. The tree can be covered by snow for 1-8 months and still thrive.

Antarctic beech prefers fertile soil but does not have demanding fertilizer requirements once established. Avoid fertilizers containing lime or those that raise soil pH, as the tree requires acidic conditions.

Nothofagus antarctica can be propagated from both seeds and cuttings. For seeds, stratify at 5°C for 60-90 days, then provide day temperatures of 25°C and night temperatures of 10°C; germination typically begins after 42 days. For cuttings, take them in late spring or early summer after dormancy ends, use a 9:1 perlite/peat substrate with 9000 ppm IBA root stimulator for best results (up to 23% success rate).

Antarctic beech typically grows 40-50 feet (12-15 meters) tall with a spread exceeding 8 meters at maturity. It exhibits a broadly conical, often multi-stemmed form with a slender trunk and scaly bark. The tree has a moderate growth rate, taking over 50 years to reach its ultimate height, though younger trees can produce vigorous 3-foot frond-like shoots in their early years.

Nothofagus antarctica is monoecious, producing separate male and female flowers on the same tree in May (Northern Hemisphere cultivation) or spring (September-December in native range). The flowers are inconspicuous yellow-green catkins - male flowers hang in groups of 1-3, approximately 3mm wide, while female flowers usually appear in groups of 3, followed by fragrant 4-valved capsules containing three small nuts.

The primary cultivar is 'Puget Pillar', a columnar selection from Seattle's Washington Park Arboretum notable for its narrow, upright growth habit reaching 40 feet tall but only 20 inches wide. This cultivar features tiny light green leaves that turn dark green in summer and bright orange-yellow in autumn, with distinctive white lenticels on smooth bark and resistance to Verticillium wilt.

Nothofagus antarctica is suitable for outdoor cultivation in USDA zones 6-8 and UK RHS hardiness zone H6. It is perfectly hardy throughout the UK and northern Europe, tolerating -15°C to -20°C. The tree has been successfully planted in the North Pacific Coast of the United States, Great Britain, and even the Faroe Islands, demonstrating excellent cold hardiness but requiring full sun, acidic soil, and protection from lime/chalk soils.

Nothofagus antarctica requires minimal pruning and is classified as RHS Pruning Group 1, meaning it needs little to no routine pruning. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased wood in late winter or early spring. The tree develops an attractive natural form with interesting twisted branch structure, so allow it to grow naturally without excessive intervention.

As a deciduous tree, Nothofagus antarctica has distinct seasonal phases. In spring, it produces new light green leaves and flowers in May. Summer brings dark green glossy foliage. Autumn showcases brilliant yellow to orange leaf color before leaf drop. Winter reveals the attractive scaly bark and twisted branch structure. Maintain consistent moisture during growing season (spring-summer) and reduce watering in winter dormancy.

Nothofagus antarctica is vulnerable to several issues: aphids and beech bark scale are the primary pests; honey fungus and root rot (particularly Aphanomyces) are disease concerns. Regular monitoring is recommended. The cultivar 'Puget Pillar' shows resistance to Verticillium wilt. In cultivation, avoid poorly drained soils to reduce root rot risk, and maintain tree vigor to help resist pest infestations.

The foliage of Nothofagus antarctica has a distinctive sweet scent from a waxy coating on the leaves. The fruits (4-valved capsules, about 6mm long) are described as highly fragrant. However, the tree itself is not grown primarily for fragrance, and the scent is subtle rather than strongly perfumed.

The leaves of Nothofagus antarctica have been used traditionally by indigenous Patagonian people as a remedy for reducing fever, and descendants continue this practice today. Modern scientific studies have confirmed that leaf infusions contain high levels of polyphenols and flavonoids with remarkable antioxidant activity and importantly show no toxicity in safety testing. The leaves are also used in tea infusions and cosmetic formulations.

Beyond ornamental use, Nothofagus antarctica has several practical applications. The pink-brown hardwood is used for firewood, flooring, and cabinetmaking. The leaves, flowers, and bark are used to produce natural dyes. Essential oils extracted from the plant are used in liquor production, tea infusions, and cosmetic products. The tree also provides ecosystem benefits in its native range as habitat for wildlife.