American beech

Scientific name: Fagus grandifolia

Family: Fagaceae (Beech family)

Known for its spreading canopy and distinctive smooth bark, American beech is a slow-growing tree found throughout the state. It is an excellent wildlife tree. Beech nuts are high in protein and fat and are eaten by many birds and mammals. Furthermore, many beech tree trunks are partially hollow and provide excellent den sites for various wildlife, including squirrels, raccoons, and opossums. This native tree can adapt to soils of variable pH and composition but prefers rich, well-drained soils with constant moisture. While American beech is shade tolerant, it achieves the best growth in partial to full sunlight. It is usually long-lived and free of problems but can be susceptible to beech bark disease, beech leaf disease, and storm damage.

Identification

LEAF: Alternate and simple with coarse serrations on their slightly undulating margins, 2-4 inches long. Fall color from yellow-green to a rich golden-brown; older trees hold dead leaves throughout winter on lower, interior branches while young trees hold virtually all of their dead leaves until spring (making them stand out in the woods in the winter).

TWIGS AND BUDS: Buds are long (¾ to 1 inch), narrow, and pointed, occurring on outer twigs.

FRUIT OR SEED: Fruits are composed of an outer prickly husk that splits open in late summer and early autumn to reveal one or two triangular, edible nuts enjoyed by birds and mammals alike. Beech nuts are known as an excellent food source for wildlife, high in fat and protein, and produced in large quantities.

BARK: Smooth, thin, light to steel gray, that is commonly carved with initials and graffiti and holds carvings for decades. Carvings create wounds for disease entry, so please respect the tree!

SHAPE: Short trunk, rounded to spreading.

MATURE HEIGHT: 60-80 feet.

Photo credits: © Arthur Haines (Native Plant Trust), Donald Cameron, Carol Levine, Frank Bramley (© 2024 Native Plant Trust)