Weeping beech

Two weeping beeches grow in the Hortus; a large and a small specimen right next to the water lily pond. The young, small specimen was planted to replace the large old one, whose condition is no longer optimal, in due course. A weeping beech can grow up to 20 metres tall with a very dense crown and thick trunk. Common beeches have oval, smooth-edged leaves and a wide upright growth habit. In the Weeping Beech, the long, limp branches curve down to the ground. This imposing tree can be recognised by its grey smooth bark, which is particularly thin. The Beech tree blossoms inconspicuously in May and the familiar beechnuts appear in autumn, measuring about 2 to 3 cm.