Rivers Copper Beech

Rivers copper beech (*Fagus sylvatica* ‘Riversii’) is a large deciduous tree valued for deep purple foliage and a broad crown. Its leaves turn golden copper in autumn, adding a second season of color before they fall. The [Royal Horticultural Society profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/192862/fagus-sylvatica-riversii-major/details) identifies Riversii as a large woodland tree with mature height above 12 metres and spread wider than 8 metres. ## Form and Seasonal Interest The foliage emerges purple and keeps a dark tone through the growing season when the tree receives adequate light; autumn color shifts toward copper. In time, its wide canopy gives substantial scale and shade, so it works best as a specimen or woodland tree with room around it. ## Siting Choose full sun or partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. The RHS lists clay, loam, sand, and chalk among suitable soil types. Avoid a cramped position near buildings or paths, since a mature beech becomes a large, broad-crowned tree. ## Maintenance Allow the tree to establish and form its natural crown. Mature beeches resent hard pruning, and purple-leaved forms need sun for good color; use selective formative pruning only while the tree is young.