The copper beech is a mutation of the well-known red beech, which is widespread in native forests. There is little difference between the two trees in terms of growth form and height. When leafless in winter, only experts can tell the two trees apart. The first copper beeches have been known since around the middle of the last millennium and are among the most typical park trees of the present day. In the past, the name suffix 'Atropunicea' was commonly used.

• Origin: Mutation of Fagus sylvatica (European beech)
  
  
• Growth height: 25–30 meters
  
  
• Leaves: broad ovate to oval; 5–10 cm long; slightly wavy at the edges; sprouts intensely dark red in spring; gradually lightens over the course of the year; red-green in midsummer; reddish-brown in autumn
  
  
• Flower: May; male flowers in spherical, reddish clusters; female flowers form soft-spined husks
  
  
• Fruit: beechnuts; nutritious, oily nuts
  
  
• Soil/location: fresh soils; slightly acidic – slightly calcareous; susceptible to filling and compaction
  
  
• Special feature: There are a large number of copper beeches in Mainz City Park. They significantly enhance the park's tree population. Their intense dark red leaf color makes them easy to recognize and distinguish from other trees even from a distance. This becomes more difficult in autumn, as the anthocyanin responsible for the dark red color is increasingly broken down during the growing season. This causes the leaves to lighten significantly. With the onset of autumn colors, it is almost impossible to distinguish them from red beeches.