Fagus Species, Common Beech, European Beech Tree

I am intrigued by the number of common names that can be given to a plant, depending on where you are from. Now, a Copper Beech is quite...Read More interesting to me. Here is what I found in my reference book. (Textbook of Dendrology, Harrow and Harrar, 5th Edition).

Excluding the non-native species European Beech, there is only one single species in North America common to eastern USA, Canada and Mexico. Fagus grandifolia or American Beech. The interesting part is that this tree is considered a variable species and shows at least three (3) different races! The northern race, called "gray beech" is found on neutral to alkaline soils, the "white beech" is found on poorly drained acid sites, and the "red beech" which may be a hybrid of the other two, is found on well-drained acid sites! Perhaps the "copper" color may be considered the "red" race, whereby receiving the name Copper Beech?

I would also love to learn more about the Copper Beech.
There are many very, very old Copper Beech trees in Connecticut. I also ha...Read Moreve one young one growing right now in a semi-shaded area of my property here in Grants Pass, Oregon.

I never hear the name "Copper Beech", although I grew up with one..so named... in my neighborhood in Providence, Rhode Island. It was/is...Read More a gorgeous tree, at least a yard in diameter, with silvery gray bark and a rich, rusty color in fall. I remember it was great for climbing, with many sturdy, fairly low branches..a majestic specimen.

But I always wondered if the name was coloquial or a true variety. Anyone know ?

prickersnall

Please note that in Great Britain this plant is known as 'Common Beech' - rather than 'European Beech'.