American Beech

(Fagus grandifolia)

American Beech (Fagus grandifolia)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Fagus grandifolia, commonly known as American Beech, is a deciduous tree native to mature deciduous forests, often found in the Eastern United States, extending into southeastern Canada. This species thrives in deep, rich, well-drained soils, often in areas with consistent moisture. It can reach heights of 16–35 m (52–115 ft) and is known for its smooth, silver-gray bark that provides a striking contrast in the forest. The leaves are dark green, simple, and sparsely toothed with small teeth, turning a golden bronze in the fall. The buds are slender and elongated, resembling cigars, which is a distinctive identification feature. American Beech is monoecious, with both male and female flowers on the same tree, and produces small, sharply-angled nuts encased in a soft-spined, four-lobed husk.

The American Beech is valued for its stately form, smooth bark, and vibrant fall foliage. It is used in large landscape plantings, such as parks and spacious gardens. It can be difficult to transplant due to its deep root system but is otherwise low-maintenance once established. The tree prefers full sun to part shade and medium water, with a preference for well-drained soils. It is not drought-tolerant and may suffer from beech bark disease, caused by a combination of a scale insect and a fungus. Beech nuts are an important food source for wildlife, but the tree can also reproduce vegetatively through root sprouts, which can lead to dense thickets if not managed.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree
  • Height: 60-80 feet
  • Width: 40-80 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Hummingbird Garden, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant

Natural Habitat

Mature deciduous forests in the Eastern United States and southeastern Canada, in deep, rich, well-drained soils with consistent moisture

Other Names

Common Names: North American Beech, Hêtre Américain, Hêtre D’Amérique, Hêtre À Grandes Feuilles, Amerikansk Bok

Scientific Names: , Fagus grandifolia, Fagus grandifolia var. grandifolia, Fagus ferruginea, Fagus grandifolia subsp. heterophylla, Fagus grandifolia f. grandifolia, Fagus grandifolia var. typica,

GBIF Accepted Name: Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.