Nothofagus dombeyi aka Coigue

Nothofagus dombeyi is an evergreen tree in the Nothofagaceae family. Its common names include coihue and Dombey's southern beech. It comes from central and southern Chile and southwestern Argentina. This is a tree of temperate regions. It keeps its small, dark green leaves through the year. The crown forms a broad column or cone, sometimes with an egg-shaped outline.

This fast-growing tree needs space as it ages. The RHS gives garden heights above 39 feet [12 metres], with spreads above 26 feet [8 metres]. It can reach about 130 feet [40 metres] in its native habitat. Full maturity can take more than 50 years. The ash-grey bark cracks and flakes as the tree grows older. Fine hairs cover young shoots, which are reddish brown above and green below.

The leaves grow one at a time along the shoots. Each leaf is simple and stiff, with a short stalk. Their shape ranges from narrow oval to lanceolate, with a blunt tip. Uneven teeth line the edges. The upper surface shines dark green; the underside is pale and dull. A lens reveals fine gland dots on the leaves. Small green flowers are hard to spot among the foliage. Male flowers grow in threes and have bright red stamens. The fruit holds triangular nuts, alone or in small groups. A capsule with four valves and grainy bristles surrounds them.

Plant it in fertile, acid soil that holds moisture but drains well. The RHS lists clay, loam and sand as suitable soils. Choose full sun, though Oregon State also reports some shade tolerance. Give young trees shelter from strong winds. The RHS rates it H5 for UK conditions. Oregon State lists USDA zone 7, with zone 6 shown as marginal. Cold injury led to the removal of its campus specimen. Sow seed outdoors in a seedbed during autumn to raise new plants.

Its evergreen crown gives structure to large planting spaces. The RHS suggests it for architectural planting and low-maintenance gardens. Watch for aphids and beech bark scale. Root rot may also affect it. Honey fungus is a possible threat where already present. The RHS notes that its degree of susceptibility remains unclear.