Thundercloud Decline

[mtate]

I like the purple leaf of the Thundercloud Plum and that it grows fairly quick. However, I've read that the tree will begin to decline in 10 to 15 years, and have not seen any older trees in my area, only young ones. Is this true? If so, are there any other purple/maroon leafed trees (besides Crimson King) that might fit the bill?
Thanks.

 

[Jay Banks]

Copper (purple) Beech, either weeping or upright.

http://www.hort.uconn.edu/plants/f/fagsyl/fagsyl1.html

 

[treeman82]

Marie, you can get a better look at the European Beech if you go out Union Valley Road in Mahopac. If you are going out towards Croton Falls Rd. from Rt. 6 it will be on your right JUST before the stop sign for Lovell Street. It needs to be pruned pretty badly, but its a great specimen.

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

Red leafed european birch, 'Autopurpurea' (sp?)