Trees

Fagus sylvatica 'Riversii'

Rivers purple beech

Rivers purple beech in an arboretum setting; photograph, not current inventory.

Riversii is a large purple-leaved beech with a rounded crown and smooth grey bark. Its glossy leaves are larger than those of the species and hold a deep, almost blackish purple-brown color well into the season. Despite relatively slow growth, this is a long-term park-sized tree, not a compact ornamental.

At a glance

Sun: Full sun to part shade
Size: Height: 25–30 m eventual · Width: 10–15 m eventual
Water: Moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness: USDA zone 5b minimum

Sizes & prices

B&B 6-7'$249.99

Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

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Landscape use & tree form

Use: Large landscape specimen; avenue tree
Form: Rounded, semi-open crown
Growth rate: Slow
Major issues: Beech leaf disease threatens American and European beeches. Also watch for beech bark disease, scale and stress-related borers.
Fruit / litter: Beechnuts and dry leaves provide seasonal litter; some leaves remain through winter.

Resistance & tolerances

Deer: Parent-species guidance: Some browsing resistance; not deer-proof. Protect young plants.
Drought: Best with steady moisture; hot, dry sites stress foliage and shallow roots.
Wet soil: Poor tolerance of high water tables

Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.

Pollinators & wildlife

Wildlife food: Nuts for birds and small mammals
Evidence: Species-level guidance; cultivar habitat value varies.

Keep in mind: Eventually a very large tree. Avoid paving over its root zone or planting in persistently waterlogged soil.

Seasonal interest

Foliage: Glossy dark purple-brown; deciduous
Bark: Smooth grey

Growing & care

Pruning: Preserve the natural crown; weeping forms may need early leader training. Avoid heavy canopy opening and damage to shallow roots or thin bark.

Sources & photo credits

Van den Berk Nurseries

NC State Extension

University of Minnesota Extension

NC State Extension

Penn State Extension

Photo: Plant Image Library · CC BY-SA 2.0

Reviewed September 22, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.