American beech
Fagus grandifolia
Last reviewed: September 2026
American beech is a shade-tolerant tree that blooms in April and May, growing well in medium moisture, part-shade forest settings from New England through the Midwest and Gulf Coast states.
Toxicity unknown
American beech (Fagus grandifolia) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
600"–960" H × 480"–720" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DC and 28 more states
Pollinators
wind-pollinated
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
A large slow-growing shade tree with smooth silver-gray bark, crisp toothed leaves that hold coppery through winter on young trees, and triangular nuts in prickly husks. It casts dense shade and roots shallowly.
Growing American beech
Grow American beech in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 600 to 960 inches tall and spread 480 to 720 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Beech nuts are a high-fat mast crop for turkey, jays and small mammals, and cavities in mature trunks host nesting birds.
Common questions
- When does American beech bloom?
- American beech produces small flowers in April and May, typically opening alongside the emerging leaves in spring.
- How is American beech pollinated?
- American beech relies on wind to move pollen from its male catkins to female flowers rather than depending on insects or animals.
- How much sun does American beech need?
- American beech grows best in part shade but tolerates conditions ranging from full sun to fairly deep shade, which is one reason it persists in the understory of mature forests.
- What kind of water conditions suit American beech?
- American beech does best with consistent, medium soil moisture and struggles in soils that are extremely wet or very dry for extended periods.
- Does American beech lose its leaves in winter?
- Yes, American beech is deciduous, though young trees and lower branches often hold onto tan, papery leaves well into winter before dropping them.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow American beech? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz