- Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 50 - 70 Feet
- Mature Spread 30 - 40 Feet
- Growing Zones 4 - 9
American Beech is an excellent tree for both providing shade and edible nuts. This stately tree has gorgeously smooth, gray bark and understated serrated leaves that turn shades of yellow and bronze during the fall. The canopy is quite wide and provides shade for humans and wildlife. American Beech is a favorite tree for parks and other open spaces. Although Fagus grandiflora is native to the eastern half of North America, from Nova Scotia to the American southeast, it grows very well in almost any part of the lower 48 states.
The wide canopy of American Beech develops a natural oval shape when planted in a spot with plenty of room to grow. Many cities recommend the American Beech for use on large properties and away from powerlines and public rights of way. Although Beech trees are slower growing than other popular street trees, they will reach an overall height of 70-80 feet and do not tolerate the pollution levels of urban areas. American Beech is at home in a vast open space where it can be grown as an anchor for a naturalized area to encourage wildlife.
American Beech Tree Care
American Beech Trees require careful spacing from all buildings, sidewalks, driveways, and other hard structures that would be damaged by the shallow spreading roots. American Beech needs average amounts of water and will tolerate short periods of dry weather, although it is not considered a drought-tolerant tree. Provide 1 inch of water once a week for the first few years after planting. Provide soil that is as deep as possible. American Beech has an extensive shallow root system that can be encouraged to grow deeper in the ground if started in deep, well-drained soil. The site must have full sun and no competition from other large trees growing nearby.
Pruning is not needed early in the tree's life. Allow the canopy to develop naturally and spread. Thinning of heavily crossing branches can be done in the winter. Winter pruning will reduce the number of water sprouts that form, simplifying future pruning. American Beech tends to have a very low canopy that can be brought up higher if desired by cutting off the lower branches. Do not remove more than one-fourth of the branches each year. Removing the lower canopy slowly is less likely to stress the tree and cause damage. Reducing the crown to shorten the tree is not recommended and could weaken its growth significantly.
The nuts formed on American Beech are edible after they fully ripen. Unripe nuts that fall early are mildly toxic and should be kept out of the way of children and pets.
American Beech Tree Spacing
American Beech Tree is a large, stately tree at maturity and requires careful spacing when planted. The standard recommendation is to keep the future canopy growth at least 10 feet away from power poles/lines and garages. Keep the root base 15-20 feet away from building foundations and other large trees. Know the positions of any underground utilities and keep the root base 5 feet or more away.
American Beech Tree Information
| USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 - 9 |
| Plant Type: Trees |
| Light Exposure: Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
| Mature Height: 50 - 70 Feet |
| Mature Spread: 30 - 40 Feet |
| Spacing: 30 - 40 Feet |
| Habit: Upright |
| Flower Color(s): Brown, Green, Yellow |
| Flower Description: |
| Bloom Period: Apr, May |
| Foliage Type: Deciduous |
| Foliage Color(s): Green |
| Foliage Description: |
| Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering, Fall Flowering, 4 Season Interest |
| Watering: Average |
| Resists: Disease, Pests & Insects |
| Tolerates: N/A |
| Attracts: Birds, Butterflies |
| Container Role: |
| Uses: Borders, Edging, Specimen or Focal Point, Wildlife Gardens |
| Features: Attracts Pollinators, Foliage Interest, Low Maintenance, Native to North America |
| Brand: American Beauties Native Plants |
| Common Name: American Beech Tree |
| Other Name(s): American Beech |
| Scientific Name: Fagus grandifolia |
- SKU:
- 1231013637-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
4.5" Pot
Also Known As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped, just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note, plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.
For more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty, whether you're a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.
The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.
For more information, please click on our page below.
Plant Shipping
Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.
Winter to Early Spring
We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.
Summer
If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.
Fall into Winter
We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!
Winter
Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.
Click here for more detailed shipping information.
Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations