A massive forest tree with smooth gray bark, often carved (regrettably) with initials. Beech nuts feed wild turkey, bear, and squirrels; the species is a climax-forest indicator of unfragmented woodlands.

Also called: American Beech, North American Beech

Native status: Native; threatened by disease

§ Quick facts

SizeMature height 18–25 m (60–80 ft); trunk diameter 60–120 cm
WeightN/A
LifespanTypically 200–300 years; verified individuals 400+
OrderFagales
FamilyFagaceae

§ Encyclopedia

Fagus grandifolia, the American beech or North American beech, is a species of tree growing to 16–35 meters tall. It is one of two beech species native to North America, the other occurring in Mexico. It flourished over most of the continent prior to the last ice age, but is now limited to the east. The tree is shade tolerant and found in forests in the final stage of succession.

Source: Wikipedia — Fagus grandifolia Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Large tree with smooth slate-gray bark even at maturity (vs. furrowed in most large trees); ovate leaves with parallel veins and pointed teeth; pale tan winter buds long-pointed and cigar-shaped; small triangular nuts in spiny bur.

Similar species. American Hornbeam (smaller, fluted trunk). European Beech (introduced; similar). Other smooth-barked trees lack the distinctive long pointed buds.

Voice. N/A

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. N/A — photosynthesis

Behavior. Climax-forest dominant of mature eastern deciduous forests. Smooth gray bark famously attracts initials and graffiti, which become permanent scars enlarging with the trunk. Triangular beechnuts are critical wildlife food (heavy mast years feed bears, deer, turkey, and many small mammals). Threatened by two introduced diseases: beech bark disease (an insect-fungus complex, since 1890s) and the newer Beech Leaf Disease (since 2012, cause not yet fully identified) — together threatening the species across much of its range.

§ Range

Eastern North America

§ Habitat

Mature deciduous forests, especially on rich moist soils

§ Threats

Beech bark disease, beech leaf disease (newly emerging), forest fragmentation.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the american beech is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Don't carve into beech bark (creates infection sites). Support disease-resistance breeding. Protect mature forests.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • USDA Plants Database
  • USDA Forest Service Silvics Manual
  • Beech Leaf Disease research consortium
  • Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center