Serving the Kansas City Metro for over 25 Years
Public Plant Profile

Purple Beech

Fagus sylvatica 'Atropunicea'

Category: Deciduous Tree • Beech

Discover the stunning Purple Beech, a majestic tree with vibrant foliage and excellent shade for your landscape.

Mature Height: 40-60 feet
Mature Width: 40-50 feet
Light: Part Sun/Part Shade
Zone: Zones 4-7
Maintenance: Moderate
Growth Rate: Slow
Season of Interest: Multi-season
Foliage: Deciduous
Bold Outdoors Verified Insight

Designed & Reviewed by

Josh Graber

Owner and Landscape Designer · Kansas State University · 25+ Years Experience

B.S. in Horticulture and Landscape Design – Kansas State University

25+ years of industry experience

Description

The Purple Beech is a stunning deciduous tree known for its deep purple foliage that turns bronze in autumn. It is a popular choice for parks and large gardens.

Ideal Conditions

Thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. Best suited for larger landscapes.

Soil Preferences

Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral pH soils. Adaptable to various soil types but dislikes waterlogged conditions.

Sun Needs

Part Sun/Part Shade

Landscape Guidance

Landscape Use

specimenshade tree

Special Features

Attractive purple foliageexcellent fall color

Wildlife Value

Provides habitat and food for birds and insects.

Resistance / Tolerance

Moderate drought tolerance.

Notes from Our Designer

Ideal for large gardens or parks where its size can be appreciated. Provides dense shade and visual interest throughout the seasons.

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Explore related plants, compare shape, texture, and overall planting style, and get a better feel for what may fit your own outdoor space.

Use this page to get a feel for where Purple Beech may fit in the landscape, then explore similar plants below for more ideas on form, texture, and overall planting style.

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Is Purple Beech a good fit for Kansas City landscapes?

That depends on sun exposure, moisture, spacing, and how the plant will be used in the overall design. Bold Outdoors evaluates those practical conditions before recommending a plant broadly.

How should homeowners use this plant information?

Use the plant profile as a planning tool for size, conditions, and visual role, then connect it to the broader landscape design and installation plan for the property.

Next Step

Ready to plan your landscape?

Browse more plants or reach out and we will help you choose the right combination for your space.