Fagus grandifolia, commonly called American beech, is native to eastern North America. It is a large deciduous tree typically growing to 50-80’ (less frequently to 120’) tall with a dense, upright-oval to rounded-spreading crown. It is a low-branched tree with its mature trunk ranging from 2-3’ (less frequently 4’) in diameter. Trunks have distinctive thin, smooth, gray bark. Foliage turns golden bronze in fall. Beechnuts ripen in fall and are edible.
Best grown in deep, rich, moist but well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Intolerant of wet, poorly drained soils. Difficult to transplant and does not always grow well in urban settings. In the wild, beeches often form thickets or colonies by suckering from the shallow roots.
| Common Name | American Beech |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Fagus grandifolia |
| Container/Amount | 25 gallon |
| Evergreen or Deciduous | Deciduous |
| Hardiness Zone | 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b |
| Growth Rate | Average |
| Light Requirements | Full Sun |
| Height | 50-80' |
| Width | 40-80' |
| Soil Condition | Well-drained |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Fragrance | No |
| Foliage Color | green |
| Deer Resistant | Yes |
| Fall Color | golden bronze |
