It is generally found on lower hills and inland valley floors where soil is fertile and well drained.

[citation needed] Pollen from the tree was found near the Antarctic Peninsula, showing that it formerly grew in Antarctica since the Eocene period.

[5] Red beech is the only known plant source, apart from rooibos (Aspalathus linearis), of the C-linked dihydrochalcone glycoside nothofagin.

[6][7] It is also grown as an ornamental tree in regions with a mild oceanic climate due to its attractive leaf shape.

[11] The average density of red beech at 12 percent moisture content is 630 kilograms per cubic metre.