The deciduous Cutleaf European beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Laciniata’) is an ornamental tree with luxuriant and truly ” lace -like ” foliage. Long, slender and deeply lobed leaves give this dense tree a fern-like appearance. Leaves turn a golden brown in fall. The bark of the Cutleaf European beech tree is smooth and darker than that of the American beech tree. It is an excellent shade tree.