Nothofagus fusca aka Red Beech

Nothofagus fusca, or red beech, is an evergreen New Zealand tree. It belongs to the family Nothofagaceae. Its native range covers both North and South Islands. It grows in forests from lowlands into mountain areas. These forests occur south of about 37 degrees south latitude. The tree suits a temperate climate and forms a woodland canopy.

In gardens, it reaches about 20–40 feet [6–12 metres]. Wild trees can reach about 120 feet [36 metres]. Plants For A Future gives 115 feet [35 metres] overall. This is much taller than Oregon State's cultivated range. Growth is fast, but British trees can resist wind poorly. Young shoots have fine hairs and a red-brown colour. They often take a zigzag course as they grow.

The broad, egg-shaped leaves grow alternately along the shoots. Each leaf has four to eight sharp teeth per side. The thin blades feel papery and show three to five vein pairs. Their upper sides range from yellow-green to dark green. The shiny undersides have tiny pits near the base. Leaves turn bright red before dropping in their second year. The tree keeps foliage throughout the year despite this leaf loss. Male flowers grow alone or in groups of three. Each tree bears both male and female flowers; wind carries pollen. The red fruit splits into four valves and holds three seeds.

Choose a sunny site with moist soil that drains well. Oregon State also allows light shade. An open loam suits it, though it accepts sand and clay. It prefers mildly acid to neutral soil, around pH 5–7. Avoid lime-rich soil and acid peat. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 8–11. Its British account limits reliable hardiness to milder southern and western areas. Keep roots from drying out when moving young trees.

Red beech has value as an ornamental canopy tree. Its bark supplies tannin and material for a black dye. People use its fine timber for indoor work and mine props. Plants For A Future lists no known food or medicinal uses. It also reports no known hazards, rather than proof of safety. The supplied accounts name no specific pests or diseases.