American Beech Tree

American beech (Fagus grandifolia) has smooth gray bark that has drawn carved initials for centuries. A famous beech in Louisville bore a carved legend and was about 325 years old when it fell in 1916. We ship bare-root American beech trees in 1-2, 2-3 and 3-4 foot sizes, in packs of 25 to 500, for shade, woodlots and wildlife.

American Beech Size, Zones and Sun

Trees reach 52 to 115 feet. Beech is among the most shade-tolerant trees in its range, and it usually grows alongside sugar maple in mature forests. It prefers moist, well-drained slopes and rich bottomland. Growth is slow unless the soil is rich.

Leaves, Nuts and Wildlife

Some leaves hang on into late winter. Trees make few nuts until about age 40 and large crops around age 60. The nuts feed many birds and mammals, and passenger pigeons depended on them heavily. New trees also sprout from the roots. Read more on American beech.

Beech Wood

The wood is hard, bends well when steamed, and became bentwood furniture. It also burns long as firewood. Our guide to beech tree height, bark and wildlife covers its bark and wildlife.

Good to Know About American Beech

Beech has a dense, shallow root system and wants steady moisture. Plant it away from road salt and compacted ground.

American Beech Sizes, Packs and Shipping

American beech trees ship bare-root in November, in three heights and packs of 25, 50, 100 and 500. Volume pricing available. Browse more trees for sale.