Fagus sylvatica Orientalis or oriental Beech is a long lived, tall, deciduous tree with attractive, intricately cut, long and ovate shiny leaves that turn brilliant reddish brown in autumn.
It bears small yellow catkins as flowers that follow on from the new leaves in spring.
The bark is smooth and pale grey.
They generally prefer a good source of light, though can withstand quite a lot of shade - they just create a better and more full crown with more light.
It requires a warmer climate than the more commonly grown F. sylvatica.
Makes an excellent shade tree for park lands.