American beech

Plant Type

Large Tree (greater than 25 ft)

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

60-80 ft. tall
40-80 ft. wide

Inolerant of

Poorly Drained Soil

Propagation

By seed

Plant Propagation Notes

If storing seed, do not allow to become dry. Cold moist stratification is required.

Plant Planting Notes

Plant in an area where there is room for these large growing trees to reach their full size.

Plants/Diseases

Beech scale and beech blight aphids may infest trees.

Wildlife Benefits

Fruit/seeds for birds

Leaves

leaves alternate, elliptical, oblong, or ovate with serrate margins.

Flowers

Small yellowish green flowers. Male flowers in drooping, globular clusters. Female flowers in short spikes.

Fruit

Nut.

Bark

Twig are somewhat zig-zagged. Bark is gray and smooth.

Toxicity

Fruits contain low toxicity for humans and may cause stomach irritation if eaten in large quantities.

USDA Hardiness Zones

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0), Basic (greater than 8.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Moist forests.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Common throughout South Carolina

Subspecies

Fagus grandifolia var. caroliniana

Fagus grandifolia var. grandifolia