American beech
Fagus grandifolia
Last reviewed: August 2026
American beech (Fagus grandifolia) is a perennial tree native to AL, AR, CT, DC and 28 more states. It blooms in April and May. The flowers draw wind-pollinated.
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 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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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
- How much sun does American beech need?
- American beech grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does American beech bloom?
- American beech blooms in April and May.
- Where is American beech native?
- American beech (Fagus grandifolia) is native to AL, AR, CT, DC and 28 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does American beech attract?
- American beech draws wind-pollinated.
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.
Ready to grow American beech? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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