LARGE CANOPY; MAJESTIC TREE; FALL COLOR; WINTER INTEREST; STRONG TREE

Species: Fagus grandiflora

Plant Size, Type & Delivery Height: 8 feel tall; container grown (15 gallon); 1.5” caliper

Mature Height: 50-70 feet

Growth Rate: Slow; 12”/year

Sunlight:  Full Sun (or Part Shade)

Drought & Heat Tolerant: Drought Sensitive

Wood Type: Hardwood; Strong Tree

Tree Form: Umbrageous; Large & Wide Dense Canopy

Description: The American Beech is the fairy tale tree with the picture-perfect bark that looks like smooth elephant skin.  In the fall, leaves turn a vibrant orange-bronze but do not fall off the tree, the leaves cling onto the tree all winter turning beige in color and rustle in the winter winds.  This tree is a gift for the next generation of your neighborhood.  It grows very slow and very strong.  The shade of this tree is dense and will be a welcoming break from the summer heat.  Once mature, the tree will produce beech nuts in abundance for the wildlife to feast upon.  All around, the American Beech is an excellent consideration for your landscape if you have the space for a large canopy tree to grow. 

Special Growing Considerations:  The American Beech is not the best tree for the urban core of

Nashville.  It doesn’t like to be next to the heat of concrete and asphalt and it is not the most pollution tolerant tree.  It is best for a yard that is a little bigger and less confined by urban infrastructure.  If you have a decent size yard, with rich dark loamy soil, this tree will do just fine.  In any circumstance, do not let a beech tree dry out completely during the summer, especially during its first couple of years after transplant.  The American Beech can be a little drought sensitive.  Plant this tree in a spot for the future because it will become large and strong overtime. 

Mono-Culture Risk: None

Invasive Risk: None

More Information: http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a865