This large tree has a dark brown trunk, to 2m (6ft) in diameter with spreading branches that form a rounded crown and a buttress base. It has dark green oval leaves are reddish during winter and the tiny male and female flowers are followed by a small nut.

Hardiness zones 8 to 9 

Nothofagus fusca is naturally found in the north and south island of New Zealand growing from sea level in the lowlands and extending to the cooler mountain forests at an altitude of 1000m (3000ft).

It prefers a sunny, open to protected position and grows in well drained organic rich moist soil that is lime free and is drought tender but frost tolerant.

Red Beech is grown in parks and large gardens for its attractive foliage and its habit as a lawn specimen or in groves. It is suitable for coastal or cool lower mountain regions and establishes in 3 to 5 years and under cultivation it normally attains a height of 10m (30ft) tall. The young foliage is used in floristry and the timber is used for furniture or in construction. ID 2178

Nothofagus (noth-oh-FAG-us) fusca (FUS-ka)

Fagaceae (fag-AY-see-e)
Beech, Oaks and Sweet Chestnuts