Description
American Beech is native to the Eastern half of the US. We have two large American Beech Trees in the back yard of the farmhouse and many more larger ones in the woods. My Australian shepherd brings in so many beech nut pods stuck to her fur! Beech trees once were native across most of North America. In recent times they are concentrated in the eastern part of the United States with a population also in Mexico.
Beech are some of the largest (100 Ft) and oldest (400 Years) deciduous trees in the US. The bark is the simplest identifier of beech with the steel gray smooth bark. When in the woods in winter, if you see a tree with light brown-gold leaves it is probably a beech.
If you are having trouble with the beech bark disease in your area then an oak might be what you need.
For more in-depth information about the Beech, check out this USDA information page. It has some nice photos of the tree sided beech nut and some other interesting bits of information.
Scientific Name: Fagus grandifolia
Zone: 4-9 Click here to find your growing zone.
Mature Height: 50-100 ft
Mature Width: 50-70 ft
Fruit: Three sided nuts that are triangular in shape and enclosed with a spiny case.
Flowers: Inconspicuous
Growth Rate: Medium (12” – 24” per year)
Soil: Loamy, rich soil.
Drought Tolerance: Moderate
Flood Tolerance: Moderate – cannot handle prolonged flooding.
Sun Requirements: Sun or part-shade
Fall Color: Golden-bronze
Wildlife Value: Great food resource for mammals and many types of birds. It also supports birds that nest in cavities and is a host for many types of insects.
