Hortus Botanicus Leiden, Netherlands

Common name: Treurbeuk, Weeping beech, Hêtre pleureur

Family: Fagaceae (Beech family)

Life form: Tree

Comments: There are two weeping beeches in our garden; a large and a small specimen next to the water lily pond. The young small specimen was planted to replace the large old specimen, which is no longer in optimal condition, in due course. A weeping beech can grow up to 20 metres in height with a very dense crown and thick trunk. Ordinary beeches have oval, smooth leaves with entire margins and a wide upright growth form. The long, flaccid branches of the weeping beech bend down to the ground. This imposing tree can be recognised by its grey smooth bark, which is extremely thin. Beeches flower inconspicuously in May and in autumn the well-known beechnuts appear, which are around 2 to 3 cm in size.