Mature treeBeech
American Beech
Fagus grandifolia
$5.25per seedling
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Quick facts
- Mature size
- — 60–80 ft tall · 40–80 ft wide
- Growth speed
- — Slow — under 1 ft of new growth a year
- Sunlight
- — Part shade (4–6 hrs) · Shade (under 4 hrs)
- Soil
- — Average / moist
- Good for
- — Wildlife food & habitat · Yard, shade & beauty
- Wildlife
- — Beech nuts are high in protein and fat and eaten by many birds and mammals. Many beech tree trunks are partially hollow and provide excellent den sites for various wildlife
About this species
American beech is a stately native tree known for its smooth, silvery-gray bark and dense, rounded crown that creates a striking presence in Ohio’s forests. Its simple, elliptical leaves have prominent veins and turn warm bronze in the fall, often clinging to the branches through winter and adding seasonal texture. In maturity, American beech produces small, triangular nuts enclosed in spiny husks, providing an important food source for wildlife such as birds, squirrels, and deer. Thriving in moist, well-drained soils and shaded environments, it is a dominant species in many mature hardwood forests. With its longevity, distinctive appearance, and ecological importance, American beech remains a cornerstone of Ohio’s natural woodlands.
Planting notes
Because American beech has a shallow root system, maintaining consistent soil moisture, especially during establishment, is important. Disturbances around the root zone should also be minimized