Beech, American

Fagus grandifolia

Height: 50-80ft
Spread: 40-80ft
Zone: 3-9
Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Growth Rate: Slow
Bloom Time/Color: April-May; green/yellow
Fall Color: Yellow/bronze
Uses: Shade tree
Maintenance: Low
Tree Shape: Oval, upright
Other: Native, deer resistant

American beech is a large native deciduous shade tree that has multi season interest and makes an excellent shade tree once established. It has glossy medium green leaves that turn a yellow bronze color by autumn. Insignificant flowers in spring lead to spiky fruit that has edible nuts (beechnuts). With an overall oval/upright branching architecture, it is pleasing to look at in winter and its smooth gray bark adds texture to the shade garden. American beech prefers moist, well drained soils and has little disease or insect problems. Deer resistant.