A review of the genus Nothofagus has proposed that the genus be separated into four distinct genera. See Heenan P.B. & Smissen R.D. (2013). 'Revised circumscription of Nothofagus and recognition of the segregate genera Fuscospora, Lophozonia, and Trisyngyne (Nothofagaceae)'. Phytotaxa 146 (1): 131. This treatment has not as of 2017 been universally accepted, if it is accepted then this species will become Lophozonia menziesii (Hook.f.) Heenan & Smissen

Common Name: Silver Beech

General Information

Nothofagus menziesii is an evergreen tree with a dense, bushy, spreading crown; it usually grows 18 - 25 metres tall, occasionally reaching 30 metres. The straight, cylindrical bole is usually around 50cm in diameter, occasionally reaching 150cm, and often buttressed[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for its wood, which is used commercially.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

New Zealand - North and South Islands.

Habitat

Lowland to montane forest or a shrub in the sub-alpine zone, southwards from latitude 37° south in North and South Islands[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	20.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Nothofagus menziesii is native to the warm temperate zone, though it does experience heavy snowfalls and frost. In Britain it is only hardy south and west of mid Sussex (hardiness zone 7), though trees are also growing well in the maritime climate of Crarae in western Scotland[].
Prefers an open well-drained loamy soil in a sunny position[, ]. Succeeds on most soils but dislikes calcareous soils[, ]. Prefers a pH between 5 and 7, but dislikes acid peats[].
A very ornamental tree[]
Species in this genus often have poor wind resistance in cultivation, probably because they grow so fast[].
Trees up to 4 metres tall can be successfully established, though the optimum size for transplanting is about 30 - 80cm. The roots are very sensitive to desiccation and extreme care should be taken when transplanting them[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

A black dye is obtained from the bark[].
The bark is a source of tannin[].

The red wood has a compact, straight grain, though it is not well-figured. It is tough, strong, elastic, not durable outdoors. Used for furniture making, house blocks, wine cases etc[, ].

Propagation

The seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cool greenhouse or cold frame. Spring-sown seed requires 2 - 3 months stratification at 1 - 5°c[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in the cold frame for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. The seed must not be allowed to dry out according to one report[] whilst another says that the seed can be stored dry at 2°c for long periods[].
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 6 - 10cm with a heel, mid summer in a frame[].
Layering.