Fagus engleriana, the Engler’s beech, also known as Chinese beech, is a species of beech native to central and eastern China (Anhui, Guangxi, Guizhou, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Shaanxi, Sichuan, Yunnan, and Zhejiang provinces) where it grows in broad-leaved and mixed forests. It can reach 25 m (82 ft) in height. The shoots are dark brown and hairless.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Fagus engleriana, the Engler’s beech, also known as Chinese beech, is a species of beech native to central and eastern China (Anhui, Guangxi, Guizhou, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Shaanxi, Sichuan, Yunnan, and Zhejiang provinces) where it grows in broad-leaved and mixed forests. It can reach 25 m (82 ft) in height.
Fagus engleriana is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree that can grow up to 20-30 meters tall. It has a smooth, grey bark that develops horizontal ridges as the tree matures. The leaves of Fagus engleriana are alternate, simple, and oval-shaped, with a serrated margin. They are typically dark green in color, and turn a golden yellow in the fall. The flowers of the tree are monoecious, meaning that male and female flowers are found on the same tree. The fruit of the tree is a three-lobed nut, enclosed in a prickly husk.
II. How to Grow and Care
Chinese beech thrives in well-drained, moist soil with a preference for partial shade, but adapts well to full sun if adequately watered. Special care points include being mindful of its sensitivity to late spring frosts, which necessitates protective measures in cooler climates. Additionally, chinese beech benefits from a layer of mulch to maintain soil moisture and temperature. Regular watering during dry spells is crucial, but avoid waterlogging to prevent root diseases.
Sunlight
The ideal sunlight condition for Chinese beech is full sun, meaning that it should receive six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day. However, young and established trees alike are shade tolerant where sun is unavailable. In fact, young trees should not be left exposed to full sunlight for prolonged periods of time – this can lead to wilting. For young plants, extra shade or screening may be needed during intense summer sunshine.
Temperature
Although the chinese beech is generally quite hardy, young trees may demonstrate frost damage when exposed to below-freezing temperatures. The tree adapts to strong winds but does not survive maritime conditions well. Chinese beech also tolerates atmospheric pollution, although European chinese beech does not tolerate extreme heat.
Watering
Native to the moist, temperate forests of China, chinese beech thrives in environments with consistent moisture. This species exhibits a preference for evenly moist soil conditions and demonstrates moderate drought tolerance once established. To mimic its natural habitat, Chinese beech benefits from watering twice a week. As an outdoor plant often found in shaded or semi-shaded areas, chinese beech’s growth cycle is closely tied to the availability of water, which influences both its seasonal foliage changes and overall health.
Soil
Soil for Chinese beech should be good quality and rich. Soil pH is not an important factor, and both European and American chinese beech will tolerate a pH as high as 7.5. Given a preference, the tree will grow best in slightly alkaline conditions. Ideally, soil should be loose, moist, and well-drained. Chinese beech thrives in light or medium soils and will do well in chalky soils. However, it won’t adapt to heavy or wet soils.
Fertilizing
Depending on soil type, your chinese beech may need regular applications of fertilizer. About 2 kg of a balanced, 10-10-10 fertilizer should be spread over the root zone and watered in for every 10 ㎡ of the root zone. The width of the tree’s root zone is roughly 30 cm more than that of the canopy.
However, fertilizer should not be added during the first year after planting. A balanced, granular fertilizer can be added in the tree’s second year in the fall. This can be repeated in the third and fourth years, but, as a general rule, chinese beech should not be treated with fertilizer after its fourth year. Excess fertilizer can lead to the tree becoming stressed.
Planting Instructions
Chinese beech can live for 200-300 years, and the dense crown can reach 13 to 20 m across at full maturity. The positioning of your chinese beech is therefore very important – it needs enough room for the root system to grow as extensively as that of the canopy and crown.
The width of your planting hole should be dug twice the size of the root ball, so that the soil around the planting area becomes loosened. This will encourage the roots to grow into the surrounding soil rather than staying in the hole. In poor quality soils, a few shovels of compost should be added to the soil used to re-fill the hole. No other amendments should be used at planting.
Pruning
Like most trees, chinese beech needs to be pruned from time to time and is very tolerant of light pruning. Tree branches may die due to bad weather, insect infestations, or diseases, and it is important that these, along with any stubs that are near them, are removed. When pruning small branches, these should be cut facing outward and slightly above a fresh bud. This will help to ensure that new growth travels in the correct direction.
Larger branches need to be removed more carefully. Several cuts may need to be made in a way that won’t tear the bark. It is also important to make sure that all branch stubs surrounding the branch being removed are removed too. Any large branches that have grown too close to each other should also be dealt with, either by removing whichever branch looks to be the least healthy, or pruning off both at the same time. Large branches growing too closely together are not only unsightly, but also lead to tree health issues.
Propagation
Originating from East Asia, chinese beech is best propagated through the technique of cutting. Use semi-hardwood segments from healthy, mature branches and ensure each piece includes at least one node. Treat the cut ends with rooting hormone to encourage growth before planting in a well-draining, fertile substrate. Maintain consistent moisture levels and provide dappled light until roots establish, transferring them to individual containers once strong enough.
Transplanting
For Chinese beech, the golden window for transplanting is from the awakening of early spring to the cusp of summer’s dawn, when the mild weather supports root establishment. Choose a site that mimics its native, well-drained woodland settings — dappled sunlight is ideal. While transplant tips aren’t requested, remembering to minimize root disturbance is key.
III. Uses and Benefits
Fagus engleriana is a popular ornamental tree, known for its attractive foliage and smooth bark. It is often planted in parks and gardens, as well as along streets and avenues. The tree also has several practical uses, such as for fuelwood and charcoal production.
In addition, the nuts of Fagus engleriana are edible and are used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat conditions such as rheumatism and diarrhea.