Fagus grandifolia

American beech

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Photo credit: Christopher F. Miller, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, New Jersey.
Family

Fagaceae

Region

Coastal Plain, Mountain, Piedmont

States

Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia

Plant Type

Tall Tree (Canopy)

Height

50 - 100ft

Spread

50 - 75ft

Flower Color

Green, Yellow

Fruit

Nut/Nut-like; Green, Orange

Sun Exposure

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Soil Texture

Loamy, Sandy

Soil Moisture

Moist

Blooms

April - May

Fall Color

yellow/tan; retains leaves till spring

Habitat

variety of soils, moist rich uplands and lowlands

Notes

edible nuts; attractive bark; leaves may persist into winter; max ht 70? Used for furniture, pulpwood, charcoal and low grade lumber; excellent for fuel; deer browse the twigs and foliage to some extent; the nuts are eaten by ruffed grouse, wild turkey, squirrel, black bear and raccoon

More Information

Landscaping with Native Plants
Native Plant List
How to Shop for Native Plants
Plant Invaders of the Mid Atlantic

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Resources

The Native Plants Guide

Physiographic Regions of Chesapeake Watershed

Mountain
Piedmont
Coastal Plain