American Beech
Fagus grandifolia · Deciduous Broadleaf Hardwood
Plant Family
Fagaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree / Forest Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Not applicable (Wild species)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-9; sensitive to extreme heat and urban pollution.
About This Tree
A magnificent, slow-growing tree with a wide-spreading, rounded crown. Noted for its extremely smooth, steel-gray bark that persists into maturity, creating a ghost-like appearance in winter forests.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, ovate leaves roughly 2-5 inches long with prominent parallel veins and coarsely saw-toothed margins. Dark green in summer, turning golden-bronze or copper in fall.
Bark Characteristics
Distinctively smooth, thin, and silver-gray. Unlike most trees, it does not become deeply furrowed or plated with age, though it is prone to Beech Bark Disease which can cause cankers.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Eastern North America, from Nova Scotia to Florida and west to Texas.
Growing Season
Leafs out in late spring with bright green foliage; produces wind-pollinated catkins in April-May; nuts ripen in autumn; enters winter dormancy.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun to partial shade; highly shade tolerant when young. Requires moist, well-drained, acidic soil. Low drought tolerance.
Mature Size
Reaches 50-80 feet in height with a similar spread. Growth rate is slow. Can live 200-300 years or more.
Special Characteristics
Marcescent foliage (holds dead leaves through winter), excellent timber for flooring and furniture, and historically used for 'carving' due to smooth bark.
Wildlife & Ecology
Critical ecological role; produces 'beechmast' (nuts) which are a vital food source for black bears, squirrels, turkeys, and blue jays. Provides excellent nesting cavities for birds.