Family: Fagaceae
Common Name | American Beech
Botanical Name | Fagus grandifolia Ehrh
Native of Eastern U.S.

A native of the eastern United States and southeastern Canada; American beech is a large, graceful native tree. The massive trunk has beautiful silver-gray bark; the dark green summer foliage turns a golden-bronze in the fall. Leaves typically hang on well into the winter months adding to the seasonal interest. Unlike most trees, beeches retain smooth bark in age. The bark of American Beech is its trademark, being steel gray in color and very smooth and thin, even on old trees. It features a spreading canopy capable of blocking sunlight and adds visual interest and beauty to landscaping.

The American beech grows to a height of 50 to 70 ft and a spread of around 40 ft at maturity with a slow to medium growth rate. Full sun is the ideal condition for this tree, meaning it should get at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day. The American beech grows in acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, silty loam, and well-drained soils. It has wildlife value as the beechnuts are eaten by birds and mammals, serving as an important food for chipmunks and squirrels.