American Beech

Scientific name

Fagus grandifolia

Description

American Beech is a deciduous tree that grows 18-25 m tall. It may also be referred to as Red beech, White Beech, Ridge Beech, or Beechnut Tree. American Beech has light gray, smooth bark, growing darker with age. The leaves are alternate, 5-15 cm long, bluish green in colour, and have prominent veins ending in a coarse tooth. American Beech nuts grow in pairs enclosed in a prickly reddish-brown husk. These nuts are an important food source for several species of birds and mammals. American Beech trees live up to and beyond 200 years. This species is often found in climax forests with sugar maple, yellow birch, and eastern hemlock. Retains leaves in winter.

Planting conditions

American Beech prefers moist, well-drained soils that are rich in nutrients. It prefers to grow in soils containing sand, clay, or loam. It grows best in full to partial shade, but will also tolerate full shade. American Beech can naturally be found growing in woodlands, wooded slopes, river banks, and well-drained swampy areas.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Any
  • Over 3m
• Moisture level:
  • Dry
  • Normal
  • Moist
• Light conditions:
  • Full sun
  • Partial sun
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Loamy
  • Clay
• pH:
  • Acidic
  • Basic
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Potted
  • Bareroot
• Eco Zone:
  • 3a
  • 3b
  • 4a
  • 4b
  • 5a
  • 5b
  • 6a
  • 6b
  • 7a
  • 7b
  • 8a
  • 8b
  • 9a
• Plant type:
  • Tree
• Height:
  • 18-25 m
• Spread:
  • 20 m