Nothofagus cunninghamii
Myrtle Beech
Large dense tree. Branchlets fan-shaped.
Additional information
- FamilyFagaceae
- StoreyUpper storey
- Size8-35 m
- Plant groupingTrees 5 m +
- LeavesEgg-shaped to triangular dark green leaves, paler below, with toothed margins, 10-25 mm x 5-18 mm. Dotted with glands. Young growth bronze-red.
- Flower colourYellow
- Flowering timeNovember to January
- FlowersInconspicuous male and female flowers in separate clusters on the same plant. Clusters of orange ball-shaped flowerheads in summer are the fruits of a fungus "Beech Orange".
- Bird attractingHabitat - nesting and/or safety
- Butterfly attractingNo
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsHigh rainfall areas. Moist, well drained, organically rich soils. Frost and snow tolerant. Semi shade and partial sun preferred.
- Garden useBeautiful specimen tree for moist, cool areas. Prefers shade, especially while establishing. Can be pruned for large hedges.
- Commercially availableSpecialist nursery
- Conservation statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1, 2 Yarra Ranges Council photo library; 3, 5, 6 Marilyn Bull ©; 4 Peter Kinchington ©
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