About
Fagus grandifolia, the American beech, is a slow-growing, medium-sized deciduous tree to around 15 m with smooth, silvery-grey bark and large, oval, prominently-veined leaves to 15 cm long, fresh green through summer and turning soft yellow in autumn. A stately and long-lived specimen tree for a large garden or woodland setting.
About the genus
Fagus, the beeches, are large, long-lived deciduous trees with smooth, silver-grey bark, oval, toothed leaves that colour richly in autumn, and inconspicuous flowers followed by prickly husks containing edible nuts. Magnificent specimen and woodland trees.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitSpreading branched, Suckering
FoliageDeciduous
Height8-12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesSpecimen planting, large borders, parkland settings.
Native toE N America
ToxicityPets (dogs): Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationSuitable for large gardens. Grow in any deep fertile soil in good light. For more information see tree cultivation.
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed. For more advice see our information on how to propagate from seed (tree/shrub
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and beech scale
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to beech bark disease, fungi (particulary bracket fungi) and powdery mildews. Sometimes susceptible to honey fungus