Purple Oakleaf Beech

Purple Oakleaf Beech, Fagus sylvatica ‘Rohanii’, combines deeply cut, oak-like leaf edges with purple spring foliage. The leaves fade toward greenish purple in summer and turn orange-brown in fall, giving this deciduous tree color and fine texture across the growing season. [University of Illinois](https://woodyplants.nres.uiuc.edu/plant/fagsyro02) describes the incised leaves and seasonal color, while [The Nursery Outlet](https://thenurseryoutlet.us/plant-catalog/fagus-sylvatica-rohanii-purple-oakleaf-beech) lists the named selection at 40–60 feet tall and 30–50 feet wide. ## Placement Use it as a specimen in a spacious yard or park, allowing room for a large oval crown. Full sun to part shade and moist, well-drained soil suit the European beech; protect the root zone from compaction and prolonged drying. ## Seasonal Interest New leaves are brownish purple, then become greener as summer advances. The cut leaf margins add a light, lacy texture, and the foliage turns bronze to orange-brown before dropping in autumn. ## Maintenance Water during establishment and extended dry weather. Little pruning is needed; remove damaged or crossing branches while young and keep the central structure intact.