American Beech

Fagus grandifolia
Fagaceae
Fagus grandifolia leaf fruit
Fagus grandifolia form MJP
Fagus grandifolia fall color
Fagus grandifolia bark 2
Beech leaf disease and beech bark disease presence makes this a less suitable species to plant. Prefers soil with humus/organic material. Produces root suckers. Sensitive to construction stress.

Summary

Climate Tolerance
Poor
Wildlife Benefits
Nuts food source for birds, mammals; cavity nesting site
Pollination Type
Wind
Plant Hardiness Zones
3 to 9
# Butterfly/Moths that use as host
126
Bloom Time
Spring (Apr-May)
Shade/Sun Tolerance
Part Shade to Shade: Receives less than 2 to 4 hours of direct sunlight or dappled shade all day
Maximum Height
Medium (40-75 ft)
Growth Rate
Slow: 1 ft or less per year
Soil Type
Loam: Equal mix of clay, sand, and silt. Moderate moisture retention and high nutrient availability.
Silt: Medium sized particles. Moderate moisture retention and high nutrient availability.
Soil Moisture Tolerance
Moist: Soil can remain damp and does not normally retain standing water
Root - Fungal Association
Ectomycorrhizae: Symbiotic relationship with fungi that exist on outside of plant root cells, facilitating nutrient uptake
Pest & Pathogen Risks
High; Beech bark disease, beech leaf disease
Urban Stress Tolerance
Low: Tree will not grow well in the urban environment
Drought Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed during periods of drought
Coefficient of Conservatism
7
Native Status
OH-Native: Species is native to Ohio
NatureServe G-rank
G5
Plant Community Type
  • Beech Mixed: Abundant
  • Oak Mixed: Abundant
  • Alluvial: Occasional
  • Red Maple Mixed: Abundant
  • Ruderal: Rare
Bloom Color
Brown
Green
Yellow
Form
Tree
Lifespan
Long: Greater than 250 years
Soil pH
Acidic (pH<6.8)
Wetland Indicator Status
FACU: Facultative Upland, usually occurs in non-wetlands, but may occur in wetlands
Soil Compaction Tolerance
Sensitive: Tree will become stressed from soil being compacted
Heat Tolerance
Sensitive: Tree will become stressed from increased temperature due to urban heat island effects
Salt Tolerant
Sensitive: Intolerant to either aerial salt spray and/or salt present in soil
Native County Status
Cuyahoga
Geauga
Lake
Lorain
Medina
Portage
Summit
IUCN Red List Assessment
Least Concern

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