American Beech Seedling

American beech seedlings for sale here are Fagus grandifolia, the native beech with smooth gray bark and golden-bronze fall color. We ship them bare-root at 6-12 inches, 12-18 inches and as a row run of mixed 6 to 12 inch seedlings, in packs of 100, 500 and 1000, for woodland plantings, wildlife plots, restoration and nurseries growing on.

American Beech Seedlings Size, Zones and Sun

Beech is a slow grower that eventually reaches 60 to 80 feet or more, with a spread of 40 to 80 feet. It's hardy in zones 3 to 9. Full sun is best, though it tolerates shade, even dappled light under bigger trees. Moist, well-drained, acidic soil suits it. Wet or compacted ground does not.

American Beech Bark, Leaves and Nuts

The bark stays thin, smooth and light gray even on old trees. Leaves turn golden bronze in fall, and many hang on into winter. The nuts are small, and people can eat a few of them, though most go to wildlife.

American Beech and Wildlife

Deer, black bears, foxes, wild turkeys, ducks, grouse, woodpeckers, nuthatches and jays all go after the nuts. For background on the species, read our piece on the majestic beech trees.

Where to Plant American Beech

Plant beech where it can stay for good: woodland edges, wildlife plots, restoration sites and large properties. Skip low spots that hold water and hard, compacted ground. Our best tree seedlings guide helps with choosing a seedling size for the job.

Planting American Beech Seedlings

Keep the roots damp until planting. Dig a hole wide enough that the roots hang straight, set the seedling at the depth it grew in the field, and firm the soil. Water in well, mulch, and give a deep soak each week through the first summer.

Buying American Beech Seedlings in Bulk

Row run is the budget pick for acreage, a mix of 6 to 12 inch seedlings straight from the row. The graded 6-12 and 12-18 inch sizes are more even, which suits nurseries. At 12 by 12 feet about 300 seedlings cover an acre, so a pack of 100 plants roughly a third of one.

Good to Know About American Beech

Beech blight aphids form fuzzy colonies on small branches and under leaves, and beech scale turns up now and then. Growth is slow, so expect to be patient in the early years.

American Beech for Wildlife and Restoration

Beech holds its leaves into winter, which gives shelter and a bit of color in a bare woodland. Because it tolerates shade, it's a good choice for filling in beneath taller trees.

American Beech Seedling Sizes, Packs and Shipping

American beech seedlings ship bare-root in November, in 6-12 inch and 12-18 inch sizes or a 6 to 12 inch row run, in packs of 100, 500 and 1000. Volume pricing available. Browse more bare-root seedlings in our wholesale collection.