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native plant database: Fagus grandifolia Ehrh. Synonyms: Fagus
grandifolia var. caroliniana USDA Symbol: fagr USDA Native
Status: Native to U.S. 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. Branches spread
horizontally to form a rounded top and dense growth. Dark-green,
glossy, prominently veined leaves turn copper-colored in the
fall and hold on most of the winter. Beechnuts are among the
most important of wildlife food. American Beech was recognized
by the colonists, who already knew the famous, closely related
European Beech. American Beech is a handsome shade tree and
bears similar edible beechnuts, which