A very graceful tree, also known as Engler’s Beech. Introduced 1911.

Native to central China.

Monoecious.

Small to medium (14-18m), lightly branched. Foliage distinctly 'sea-green' from afar due to glaucous undersides, turning bright yellow-orange in autumn. Twigs very slender and hairless; buds pointed. Leaves slender, elliptical, glaucous except vein-joint tufts, with sinuous wavy hairless margins and a relatively long petiole (1.5cm). Cupule 1.5cm, bristly with flattened spoon-like basal bracts, containing nuts with three small wings.

Best suited to warmer parts.

No notable associations where introduced.

Generally healthy.

An under-appreciated ornamental tree for large gardens.