Fagus grandiflora (American beech)

The American beech is a deciduous tree with a wide-spreading habit that makes it a great shade tree for those with large spaces and long time horizons. It is not a fast grower, but it will grow 50–70' tall. Best grown in deep, rich, moist but well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Intolerant of wet, poorly drained soils. Beech trees have smoth, gray bark without furrows or ridges. Flowers (not showy) bloom in spring. Fall color is golden, and once the leaves turn brown and die, they tend to remain on the branches until the new spring growth pushes them off, which makes beech trees stand out in winter woods. Does not produce significant quantities of nuts until the tree is about 40 years old. Difficult to transplant and does not always grow well in urban settings. Subject to beech bark disease and other diseases and pests. 

The beech tree is native to eastern North America, from Nova Scotia south to northern Florida. Beech trees grow in rich, moist woods, sometimes in nearly pure stands. They are shade-tolerant, commonly found in forests in the final stage of succession. Host plant for various moth species. The small, sharply angled beechnut is edible and a food source for wildlife, including wild turkeys, raccoons, foxes, white-tailed deer, rabits, squirrels, opossums, and pheasants. On Maryland DNR's Recommended Tree List; also listed as deer-resistant.

BONAP Native Range Map (bright green indicates county native, dark green indicates state native)  

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