A native of Chile and introduced to Britain in the early 1830s this beech is a fast grower.

Many see this in leaf and take it for an evergreen tree but it is deciduous.

Its bark is dark and covered with attractive white lenticels.

Of rounded habit and medium to large size this has small heart shaped leaves which turn yellow as the year progresses.

Very good for parks and public spaces it does best in a sunny position and fairly fertile soil.

It will not tolerate planting in calcareous soils.

Medium height: 7-12m

Mature spread 5-8m