Plant Spot Light Beech Beech Because of its smooth grain it was often used for writing surfaces and has come to represent ancient knowledge through objects and writings. It is often used as a replacement for oak. | Beech - | Female, | Water, | Saturn. | Creativity, tolerance | BEECH (Fagus spp.) Beech wood is closely grained, very easy to work giving a smooth even surface. At one time Beech tablets were used as writing surfaces because of the above mentioned qualities. Beech and book have the same word origins. Beech is concerned with ancient knowledge as revealed in old objects, places and writings. Beech indicates guidance from the past to gain insight which protects and provides a solid base upon which all relies. * * * Fagus grandifolia A very formal and stately tree. Leaves emerge in late spring, changing from shimmering green to lustrous dark green to golden bronze in the fall. Smooth bark. Plant in well-drained, aerated soil. Can be used as a hedge. Grows to 50'-70' with a 40' spread. (Zones 4-9)  | Hardiness Zones: Zones 4 - 9
The American Beech can be expected to grow in the zones shown in color in the arborday.org zone map.
|  | Type of tree:
The American Beech falls into the following type(s): Ornamental Trees, Shade Trees |  | Mature Height:
The American Beech grows to be 50' - 70' feet in height. |  | Mature Spread:
The American Beech has a spread of about 40' at full maturity. |  | Growth Rate:
This tree grows at a slow to medium growth rate. | |  | Sun:
This beech does well in full sun.
|  | Soil:
The American Beech grows in acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, silty loam, well drained, clay soils.
| | Moisture:
Well drained. The tree is very drought sensitive. | | |  | Shape:
This beech has oval, pyramidal shape. | | Leaves:
The leaves from this tree are 3 to 6 inches long, alternately arranged and marked with parallel veins that lead to sharp, incurved teeth on the margins. Glossy green color changing to copper in autumn.
| | Flower Color:
Light brown and pale.
| | Bloom Time:
April-May.
| | Fruit Description:
The fruit is oval, 1/2 to 1 inch in diameter, hard, brown, attractive to wildlife.
| | Additional Information | | Attributes:
The American Beech tree is worth saving if it occurs on your property and one worth planting if you can meet its needs, including giving it plenty of space. Longevity compensates for its slow growth and a dense green canopy that changes to yellow-brown in autumn is reward for catering to its demanding nature. Throughout the eastern half of the United States, where this species occurs naturally, the four tiny nuts in each spiny bur are prized by a wide range of birds and mammals, including discerning humans. Description:
A very formal and stately tree. Leaves emerge in late spring, changing from shimmering green to lustrous dark green to golden bronze in the fall. Smooth bark. Plant in well-drained, aerated soil. Can be used as a hedge. Grows to 50'-70' with a 40' spread. (Zones 4-9) Wildlife Value:
Beechnuts are eaten by birds and mammals and are important food for chipmunks and squirrels. History/Lore/Use:
A sturdy, densely canopied tree, the American Beech was a sign of fertile soil to early settlers and was quickly removed so the plow could take over and farming for food could commence. In hilly locations, it was the home for migrating Passenger Pigeons who were so numerous that they broke off the limbs of the trees from the sheer weight of their numbers when they perched on them. There was a Beech tree on the old stage road between Blountsville and Jonesboro, Tennessee that had an inscription carved into the trunk that read "D. Boone Cilled A Bar On Tree In Year 1760." The tree fell in 1916 and had a girth of 28-1/2 feet. The Forest Service estimated the tree's age to be 365 years, fully two centuries old before Daniel Boone inscribed it | |
Free Forum Hosting
Important Announcement
Prev Message
