- Native Range. American beech is found within an area from Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia west to Maine, southern Quebec, southern Ontario, northern Michigan, and eastern Wisconsin; then south to ...
- Climate. Within the range of beech, annual precipitation usually is from 760 mm to 1270 mm (30 to 50 in) (39); however, some beech is found in Michigan where precipitation ...
- Soils and Topography. Beech is found generally within two principal soil groups: the gray-brown podzolic (Hapludalf) and the laterite (Acrorthox) and is prevalent on podzols; it is seldom found on ...
- Associated Forest Cover. Within its wide range in eastern North America, beech is associated with a large number of trees. ...
Is there a beech tree in North America?
American beech (Fagus grandifolia) is the only species of beech tree in North America. Before the glacial period, beech trees flourished over most of North America. The American beech is now confined to the eastern United States.
What are the different types of beech trees?
The most common types of beech trees are the American beech tree ( Fagus grandifolia) and the European beech tree ( Fagus sylvatica ). Beech trees are easy-care, versatile trees that thrive in various conditions. Native to temperate climates in North America and Europe, beech trees grow in rich, fertile soil with excellent drainage.
Where do beech trees grow in Kentucky?
Introduction: American beech is a distinctive and elegant forest tree in Kentucky and throughout eastern North America. In early spring new leaves emerge from buds as feathery tassels.
How fast do American beech trees grow?
The American beech is a rather slow-growing tree, and will only grow about 4 meters every 20 years! But considering that trees live on a different timescale than us, that isn’t too bad. For a tree that lives to be up to 246 (that’s the age of the oldest one on record!) growing slowly isn’t out of the ordinary.
What zones do beech trees grow in?
sylvatica) are limited to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plant hardiness zones 4 through 7, you can grow the American beech in USDA zones 3 through 9.
Are there beech trees in the US?
The American beech is now confined to the eastern United States. The slow-growing beech tree is a common, deciduous tree that reaches its greatest size the Ohio and Mississippi River Valleys and may attain ages of 300 to 400 years.
Are beech trees native to North America?
Fagus grandifolia, the American beech or North American beech, is a species of beech tree native to the eastern United States and extreme southeast of Canada. Ehrh.
How far north do beech trees grow?
Its range extends from Nova Scotia to the northern edge of Florida and to the eastern border of Wisconsin, the western border of Mississippi and into some parts of Texas and Oklahoma [3][4][5]. ... ... line with its large geographic distribution, American beech grows in a range of soil conditions.
What is special about beech trees?
The formal and stately American beech holds a special place in many hearts. The wide-spreading canopy provides great shade in the summer and beautiful bronze coloring in the fall. It is a versatile tree, often used in parks, golf courses, acreages, and the forestry industry.
Are American beech trees good?
While American beech may not be highly sought for its timber value, it is an important tree for wildlife. Nuts produced by beech trees (called beechnuts) are an important food source for wildife and are rich in fats and protein.
Can you eat the nuts from an American beech?
Sneaking a few raw beechnuts is fine, but for the most part, they need to be cooked before eating them. Raw they contain the toxin saponin glycoside, which can cause gastric issues if you eat a large number of raw beechnuts.
Can humans eat beech nuts?
The ancient Greeks believed that beechnuts or 'mast' were the first food eaten by humans. The nuts are edible but should not be eaten in large quantities (see Cautions). The leaves have also been eaten as a salad vegetable.
Is beech A good firewood?
Beech. Beech is a superb wood for burning, although it has a high water content so needs to be dried well; ideally, it should be seasoned for three years before use. It does not need to be burned in a mix and can be burned in a wood burning stove too.
Will beech trees grow in Florida?
The American Beech (Fagus grandifolia) is the only species native to the United States, growing all the way from Nova Scotia to the Florida Panhandle and on over to eastern Texas.
Where do beech trees grow best?
They need the right conditions. Beech trees can grow in anything from full sun to part shade, according to Neese, and they do best in moist, well-draining, slightly acidic soil. They'll adapt to variations on this, but the soil needs to be well-draining in order for them to thrive.
Do beech trees grow in NC?
American Beech is one of the most beloved trees of Eastern North America, a late-successional tree reported in many counties of NC from the mountains to the coast. It is a medium to large tree, growing usually to 80 feet (but observed also at 100 feet tall or more), and can spread between 40 to 70 feet.
How can you tell an American beech tree?
0:114:00Identify American Beech by Buds, Bark and Leaves - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo a healthy American beech should have bark that is completely smooth and gray no matter what theMoreSo a healthy American beech should have bark that is completely smooth and gray no matter what the size of the tree is and it looks like the skin of an elephant.
What is an American beech tree?
American beech is a sturdy, imposing tree, 50-80 ft. tall, with a maximum height of 120 ft. Its bark is very smooth and light gray, remaining so as the tree ages. Large tree with rounded crown of many long, spreading and horizontal branches, producing edible beechnuts.
Do beech trees grow in California?
The American beech is one of the trees recommended for planting by the city of Placerville. And this is notable because beech has no distribution in California or anywhere near it, as far as I know.
Is American beech tree a hardwood?
American beech, or Fagus grandifolia, is the only species of beech native to the United States. Long considered a general utility hardwood, beech's biggest claims to fame might be its strength and bending properties.
How big do American beech trees get?
This is a large tree, often growing to 80 feet or even more. Although sometimes used as a landscape tree, the American beech is not well suited to urban conditions; it does not like even low pollution levels. Left unattended, the shallow roots will readily sucker, gradually forming a thicket of trees.
What is the best feature of an American beech tree?
One of the best features of the American beech tree is its fall foliage and winter interest. In the second half of autumn, the leaves turn golden-bronze.
What causes beech tree cankers?
Like the American elm tree ( Ulmus americana) and the American chestnut tree ( Castanea dentata ), the American beech tree has been under attack from a foreign invader and suffers from a serious disease: beech bark disease . Two things working together cause this disease: a non-native insect (the beech scale) and certain fungi ( Nectria species). The beech scale insects pierce the bark (the bark is thin, making their task easier) to remove sap. These piercings give the fungi open access to the insides of the tree. The result is bark cankers.
What is the best beech tree?
There are no named cultivars of the American beech, but there are some excellent versions of the European beech that should be considered: 1 European beech (Fagus sylvatica): This is a very similar tree to the American beech, but with a slightly darker bark and a less dense growth habit. It is also much more tolerant of pollution and urban conditions. Several good named cultivars are available. 2 Copper beech (F. sylvatica 'Purpurea'): This is a notable cultivar of the European beech, with beautiful coppery-purple leaves. 3 Tricolor beech: (F. Sylvatica 'Purpurea Tricolor'): This is another good cultivar of the European beech. It has very unusual variegated leaves with pink, white, and green colors. It is a smaller tree, growing to a maximum of 30 feet.
How big do beech trees get?
Yellowish green flowers appear in April to May, and the female flowers give way to triangular-shaped beechnuts. The foliage turns golden bronze in fall. This is a large tree, often growing to 80 feet or even more.
What is copper beech?
Copper beech (F. sylvatica 'Purpurea'): This is a notable cultivar of the European beech, with beautiful coppery-purple leaves.
What trees change color in fall?
For the ultimate landscape design in fall, grow plants that change color at different times and that grow to different heights. Red maple ( Acer rubrum) and sugar maple ( Acer saccharum) are trees that change color early, as opposed to oak ( Quercus spp .) and beech.
What is the color of beech trees?
In early spring new leaves emerge from buds as feathery tassels. Handsome foliage develops a golden bronze color in the fall. American beech's graceful, spreading form is superior to other beeches and is attractive throughout the year. Winter, however, emphasizes this tree's other notable attributes - its long, thin, pointed, brown leaf buds and its smooth, thin, light gray, "wrinkled" bark that resembles an elephant's hide. American beech bark is nearly white and is much paler than European beech. Like oak, beech often holds on to its bottom leaves throughout winter.
What is the pH of American beech?
It may be used as a specimen or allowed to sucker and used as a hedge. American beech prefers moist, well-drained soil with a. pH of 5 to 6.5. It prefers full sun but will tolerate shade. It will not tolerate wet or compacted soils. This tree has a shallow root system that makes growing grass under it difficult.
Why do beech trees grow in groves?
Beech is often seen in groves because of its propensity for reproducing itself asexually by root suckers. Most beech seeds are eaten when they mature by one of a number of wildlife species that rely on them as a food source. Passenger pigeons, before their extinction, were among those species.
What is beech used for?
It is now used to make household items such as wooden kitchen utensils and clothespins. Pioneers used beech leaves to stuff mattresses. Beech ashes were used to make soap. Beech has paper-smooth bark and, unfortunately, many people are compelled to carve into it. These carvings remain on the tree indefinitely.
Why did the colonists use beech wood?
American beech wood was used as a source of fuel for their large, open fireplaces. It is now used to make household items such as wooden kitchen utensils and clothespins.
How tall does a sage tree get?
It can grow to 120 feet tall. Flower and fruit: Small male and female flowers bloom on the same plant but in separate clusters. Fruit is an edible nut or nuts enclosed in a prickly covering. Leaf: Ovate leaves are 2 to 5 inches long, glossy dark green above and pale below.
Is American beech bark white?
American beech bark is nearly white and is much paler than European beech. Like oak, beech often holds on to its bottom leaves throughout winter. Culture: This tree should be reserved for large areas or naturalized settings. It may be used as a specimen or allowed to sucker and used as a hedge.
How tall is a beech tree?
Although the American beech tree is known to attain a height of approximately 100 ft, in home landscapes, it has been seen that the species rarely exceed a height of 50 ft.
Which tree is most common in the southern part of the United States?
The southern and eastern parts of the United States is home to one of the most important tree species of nature, the American beech tree.
What are the pests that attack beech trees?
And to conclude, aphids, leaf miners, scales, and borers, are common pests that affect the American beech tree. However, the tree has the ability to resist damage, effectively overcoming infections.
Why isn't the sage tree growing in urban areas?
As observed by experts, this tree does not do well in urban areas, probably because of the high levels of carbon monoxide in a city’s atmosphere.
What zone do American beech trees grow in?
The american beech can be expected to grow in Hardiness Zones 4 –9. View Map
Where is the beech tree in Tennessee?
There was a Beech tree on the old stage road between Blountville and Jonesborough, Tennessee that had an inscription carved into the trunk that read "D. Boone Cilled A Bar On Tree In Year 1760.". The tree fell in 1916 and had a girth of 28-1/2 feet.
What is the significance of the American beech tree?
A sturdy, densely canopied tree, the American Beech was a sign of fertile soil to early settlers and was quickly removed so the plow could take over and farming for food could commence. In hilly locations, it was the home for migrating Passenger Pigeons who were so numerous that they broke off the limbs of the trees from the sheer weight of their numbers when they perched on them. There was a Beech tree on the old stage road between Blountville and Jonesborough, Tennessee that had an inscription carved into the trunk that read "D. Boone Cilled A Bar On Tree In Year 1760." The tree fell in 1916 and had a girth of 28-1/2 feet. The Forest Service estimated the tree’s age to be 365 years, making it fully two centuries old before Daniel Boone inscribed on it.
What is the name of the tree that grows in parks?
American Beech. Fagus grandifolia. The formal and stately American beech holds a special place in many hearts. The wide-spreading canopy provides great shade in the summer and beautiful bronze coloring in the fall. It is a versatile tree, often used in parks, golf courses, acreages, and the forestry industry.
How much sun does a sage tree need?
Full sun is the ideal condition for this tree, meaning it should get at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day.
How long are beechnut leaves?
Features simple leaves that are 3–6" long with sharp, incurved teeth on the margins. Yields edible, hard, brown beechnuts that are ½–1" in diameter. Compensates for its slow grown with longevity.
How tall is a beech tree?
The American beech grows to a height of 50–70' and a spread of around 40' at maturity.
Where do beech trees grow?
Beech trees are easy-care, versatile trees that thrive in various conditions. Native to temperate climates in North America and Europe, beech trees grow in rich, fertile soil with excellent drainage. As a beautiful landscape tree, beech tree varieties are relatively resistant to pests, disease, and deer.
How tall is an American beech tree?
As a beautiful shade tree, the American beech grows between 60 and 80 ft. (18 – 24 m) tall and up to 80 ft. (24 m) wide.
What does beech bark look like?
Beech tree bark is identifiable by its smooth, light gray appearance. As beech trees mature, the bark gradually develops slight fissures. On mature trees, beech bark looks like it has ridges or shallow cracks running horizontally on the long, straight tree trunk. In winter landscapes, a beech tree is recognizable due to its beautiful, silvery-gray bark.
How many species of beech trees are there?
There are only 13 species of beech trees, most of which belong to the genus Fagus. A few Asian beech tree species are in the subgenus Engleriana. The most common types of beech trees are the American beech tree ( Fagus grandifolia) and the European beech tree ( Fagus sylvatica ).
How to tell if a beech tree is a beech tree?
Beech tree leaves are identified by their glossy dark green color, ovate to elliptical shape, and finely toothed margins. Young beech leaves look lime green with fine hairs on the edges. In fall, the smooth dark green blades turn stunning bronze, copper, or yellow shades. Leaves of beech trees grow between 2” and 6” (5 – 15 cm) long and up to 4” (10 cm) wide.
What is a beech tree?
Beech trees (botanical name Fagus) are tall deciduous shade trees with lime green ovate leaves, creating a dense, rounded crown . All varieties of beech trees produce small clusters of yellow-green flowers, followed by beech tree fruit or beechnuts. In the fall, beech tree foliage turns from green to beautiful autumn shades of orange, yellow, and golden brown. Beech trees are grown in large landscapes. The tall trees provide shade or are planted in rows to create privacy hedges or screens.
What is the name of the fruit on the top left of a beech tree?
Beech Tree Fruit. Beech tree fruit (beechnut) on top left and the spiky husks. Beech tree fruit, also called beechnuts, are identifiable by their brown color and unique three-angled look. The fruit (nuts) from beech trees are triangular in appearance and are contained in spiky husks called cupules.
Where do American Beech Trees Grow?
The reason why the American beech is called such is that certain parts of North America are the only place where they actually occur. They are very picky about their growing conditions, and the only places that have the right soil and the right amount of moisture are:
What are the Growing Conditions of the American Beech?
This means that once a disturbance has occurred in a forest (like a forest fire), it will then change its forest composition in reply to that disturbance.
How do American Beech Trees Reproduce?
This means that the tree can fertilize itself, and the beech seeds that drop will be ready to germinate.
What is the Utilization of American Beech Trees?
Many forest-dwelling animals rely on the leaves and fruit of the American beech, as well other animals that are just passing through (including humans! Beech nuts are edible!) Along with many lepidopteran species (moths and butterflies), the list of animals that love to attend the beech bistro are:
What is the Latin word for a beech tree?
Fagus Grandifolia. The latin of fagus translates to “beech”, the Latin of grandis is “large”, and the Latin of folium translates to “leaf” — which is kind of funny, considering that American beech trees don’t actually have leaves that are all that big.
What animals eat beech?
Many forest-dwelling animals rely on the leaves and fruit of the American beech, as well other animals that are just passing through (including humans! Beech nuts are edible!) Along with many lepidopteran species (moths and butterflies), the list of animals that love to attend the beech bistro are: 1 black bear 2 fox 3 opossum 4 pheasant 5 porcupine 6 rabbit 7 raccoon 8 ruffed grouse 9 squirrel 10 white-tailed deer 11 wild turkey
What is the color of beech leaf?
An American beech leaf is a quite dark green with teeth that coat the edges. It has a short petiole (the stalk that attaches the leaf to its stem) of about five inches. They are organized in a very simple and symmetrical pattern. The sprout back into life in the very early spring.
How Large Do Beech Trees Grow?
The beech tree will grow to be a large tree, however, the growth is slow. They can grow 80 feet in height and their branches can be over 40 feet long in span. The Fagus subgenus has one sturdy trunk that sports grayish bark. Also, the branches are high (excluding the weeping beech). The Engleriana subgenus has many trunks in a cluster with a yellowish bark. The branches are lower with a wider span.
What Does A Beech Tree Look Like?
The beech tree has a thinner bark compared to most trees and the leaves are bright green and sawtooth in shape. Given that the branches on Beech species usually hang rather low, they are not ideal for growing over roads or sidewalks. Beech trees grow both male and female flowers. The male flower is a yellow-green flower. However, the female flower develops into what we know as the beechnut. The leaves are a dark green in the spring and summer and turn to a yellow or brown in the autumn. Meanwhile, the European beech is even known to maintain its canopy throughout the winter.
What Are Some Uses For Beech Trees?
It is a beautiful tree that creates ample shade. You can find the beech providing shade in parks, golf courses, and national parks. Similarly, the beech provides shelter to many animals, including birds and squirrels. Larger animals like rabbits will use the dead beech tree trunks to form dens. Beechnuts are a much desired snack by both humans and animals. Professional and amateur chefs often add beechnuts to recipes around the world. However, it needs to be noted that the beechnut is toxic in large quantities to both humans and animals. It is likely why animals do not distribute the nuts the same way they do for other nuts. If the beechnuts are uncooked, then they pose the greatest threat. A roasted beechnut is much less dangerous. The bark has a rather astringent effect and has been used to treat various skin afflictions for centuries.
Can I Grow A Beech Tree?
You can grow the beech tree with relative ease from a seed. It is ideal to start the seed inside. The beech seed is quick to germinate, but slowly growing after this stage. Because of its shallow root system, the sapling grows to one to two feet before transplanting outside. Once the sapling transplants, you must protect it from wildlife and damaging weather. You need to plant a beech sapling during winter when everything is dormant. The ideal time frame is from October to February. When the sapling goes through a couple of seasons, it will grow slowly. The tree will only add six inches to a foot every year in growth. A mature beech is close to 75 years old. You can shape many species of beech into a hedge if you require. Starting from a sapling, this is easy to do once you master the skills of shaping. If a tree is the shape you prefer, the European beech is a far superior species for both appearance and hardiness.
What is the most common beech tree?
This is the most common beech tree across the world. It is similar to the American beech in appearance and growth habit, but has smaller leaves and bark that is a darker gray. Arriving in North America with European colonists in the 1700s, it is now widely naturalized and can be found in wild settings. The leaves are oval and dark green in color, up to 4 inches long. There are many cultivars available offering many growth forms and different leaf colors, including copper, tri-color, weeping beech, golden beech, and dwarf beech. Several have won the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Like the American beech, the European beech is a fairly trouble-free specimen that makes an excellent shade tree. It can be a better choice if you don't want the very dense shade of the American beech.
What is a beech tree?
Beech trees are deciduous plants that are classified as the Fagus genus and are in the Fagaceae family of plants. With a narrow but dense foliage crown, beech trees are popular choices for residential shade trees, and their wood makes excellent lumber and firewood. Beech trees can grow in many different conditions, provided the soil drains properly.
What is the name of the European birch?
Copper Beech (Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea' or Fagus sylvatica f. pururea) A very popular variety of European birch is the copper birch, usually described as Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea', although some experts regard it as a naturally occurring genetic form rather than a cultivar.
How long do beech trees live?
Beech trees are long-lived specimens that have been known to thrive for 200 to 300 years. In the right conditions, your beech tree will be an excellent shade tree for as long as you live in your home.
What kind of trees are good for shade?
Beech trees can develop a lush, dense canopy, shielding your backyard from harsh sunlight and casting ample shade. While the beech tree is a slow grower, its longevity and sturdiness will outweigh the inconvenience of waiting for it to flourish. If you're interested in beech tree-like trees, you can also consider a variety of oak trees, such as the English oak or turkey oak .
Where can I find Buna beech trees?
This species is found throughout the forests of Japan, where it sometimes is the predominant species. It has smooth, silvery-gray bark and a rounded crown. The leaves are oval and a glossy medium-green in color. The foliage turns an attractive shade of yellow in fall. Also known as Buna or Siebold's beech, this tree has a widely variable growth rate and has been known to exceed 200 feet. It is also a frequent specimen in bonsai gardening. In the landscape, this beech casts very dense shade that can make it difficult to grow other plants under its canopy. It prefers well-drained, loamy or sandy soils.
Is European beech a good shade tree?
Like the American beech, the European beech is a fairly trouble-free specimen that makes an excellent shade tree. It can be a better choice if you don't want the very dense shade of the American beech. Native Area: Central Europe.
