American beech

What it is

Fagus grandifolia, the American beech or North American beech, is the species of beech tree native to the eastern United States and extreme southeast Canada. The genus name Fagus is Latin for "beech", and the species name grandifolia comes from grandis "large" and folium "leaf".

Where and when to find it

Habitat

You can find American Beech in many forests across the eastern half of the US, often growing with other hardwood trees.

How to find it

Look for its very smooth, soft gray bark. The leaves are oval shaped with small, pointy teeth and parallel veins. It will often keep some brown leaves all winter.

Best time of day

Any time of year! The bark is always smooth, and you can see its nuts in fall.

How it lives

What it eats

Sunlight, water, and nutrients from the soil

What eats it

Deer, bears, squirrels, turkeys, and other wildlife (beech nuts)

Worth knowing

• Its nuts are called 'beechnuts' and are very nutritious.
• Young beech trees often keep their dried leaves on through the winter.
• Its smooth bark makes it a favorite canvas for people to carve initials, though this can hurt the tree.
• Beech tree leaves have very neat, straight veins.
• It can live for hundreds of years.
• The wood is very hard and strong.

Why it matters

American Beech trees provide food and shelter for many forest animals. Their deep roots help prevent soil erosion.