Fagus orientalis ‘Iskander’ (Oriental Beech 'Iskander')

A selected form of beech that is noted for its very slender profile – a bit like an exclamation mark, the tree will still only measure 4m or 5m across at its mature height of 20m. Use it for avenues and focal points or where height is an asset but width is not.

Its places of origin are the Caucasian mountains, (between 500m and 2000m), of Iran, Crimea, Turkey and parts of the Balkans which means that it is very hardy, surviving temperatures of –20 degrees. Naturally fastigiate, it is often compared to the ‘Dawyk’ and ‘Green Obelisk’ cultivars of Fagus sylvatica, but Fagus orientalis ‘Iskander’ has a stronger branch structure and retains its shape without need for pruning.  

The wavy margined and glossy leaves are large, healthy and reputed to be resistant to woolly aphids thus avoiding the nightmare of sticky honeydew. In autumn, this beautiful columnar tree is alight with reds, oranges and yellows, but often the leaves remain, particularly on the younger trees, through a process known as marcescence, and while they go brown they don’t fall until the new foliage emerges the following spring. 

Plant in full sun, or very light shade, on rich humus-y soil, in well drained conditions. There is increasing evidence that it thrives in drier and hotter conditions than Fagus sylvatica, which tolerances after 2026, may well become increasingly useful in the UK.