American Beech
ExploreTrees
American Beech
Fagus grandifolia
The American Beech is a strong tree with shiny leaves that turn golden in fall. Its smooth bark is fun to touch!
Habitat: Deciduous forests
Appearance
The American Beech has smooth, distinctive light gray bark and oval leaves with toothed edges that turn a brilliant golden-bronze in autumn. Its crown is broad and rounded, often with low-sweeping branches, making it visually stand out.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderFagalesFamilyFagaceaeGenusFagus
Category
TreesRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
117
Interesting facts
A tiny parasitic plant, called beechdrops, grows *only* on the roots of beech trees!
Clusters of fuzzy, white 'beech blight aphids' on its twigs are comically called 'boogie-woogie aphids'!
Its super smooth bark often tempted people to carve initials, leaving 'tree graffiti' for decades!
The dense wood of the American Beech is prized for making flooring, furniture, and tools!
Special abilities
Ability
Winter Leaf Protector
Young American Beeches can hold onto their dead leaves through winter, protecting new buds from frost and deer.
Ability
Bark Sunscreen
Its smooth, thin bark allows sunlight to reach inner bark cells, enabling photosynthesis even on the trunk.
Ability
Nutty Bounty
American Beech produces abundant edible nuts that feed many forest animals, ensuring its seeds are spread widely.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 20-35 m
- Canopy Spread
- 10-20 m
- Edible
- Yes
- Trunk Diameter
- 50-100 cm
- Lifespan
- 200-400 years
- Fruit Type
- Beech nut
- Growth Rate
- Medium
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
Ecological connections
eaten by
Eastern Gray Squirrel
Sciurus carolinensis
eats beech nuts
eaten by
White-tailed Deer
Odocoileus virginianus
browses leaves, twigs
eaten by
American Black Bear
Ursus americanus
eats protein-rich nuts
parasitizes
Beechdrops
Epifagus virginiana
grows on roots
Traits
Deciduous
Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
Broadleaf Tree
Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.
Fruit Bearing
Fruit-bearing plants produce fruits, which are the mature ovaries of flowering plants containing seeds.
Fall Color
Fall color refers to the seasonal change in foliage pigmentation, primarily in deciduous plants, displaying vibrant hues.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Also known as
American Beech Tree
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Do not pick or eat anything you find. Some plants and mushrooms can be harmful.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is American Beech?
20-35 m
How wide does American Beech spread?
10-20 m
Is American Beech edible?
Yes
How big is American Beech?
50-100 cm
How long does American Beech live?
200-400 years
Where is American Beech usually found?
Deciduous forests
What kind of fruit does American Beech produce?
Beech nut
How fast does American Beech grow?
Medium
Snap Map
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