Slow-growing but long-lived medium or large tree, with smooth grey bark and toothed leaves that can turn an attractive bronze in fall. With prickled fruits and nuts in fall, enjoyed by wildlife. In the Lower Midwest, native to southeastern Missouri and northeastern Arkansas.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
American Beech
Fagus grandifolia
Plant Type: Trees
Native Environment: Stream Edge
Season of Interest: Early (Feb - Apr), Mid (May - June), Late (July - frost)
Main Color: Green
Fall Color: Orange
USDA PLANTS Range Map
At the range map link above, zoom in for county-level data
Photo: Dan Tenaglia (courtesy of missouriplants.com)
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Soil
Moisture
High
Nature Attracting
Songbirds
Wildlife Benefit
Food/Birds, Food/Small Animals, Nesting
Animal
Resistance
Size
Height:
50 to
80
feet
Spread:
30 to
40
feet
Size
Height: 50 to
80
feet
Spread: 30 to
40
feet
Size
Height: 50 to
80
feet
Spread: 30 to
40
feet
Typical Landscape Use
Ornamental tree for open spots that can provide shade, given time.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Special Features
Nuts
Special Usage
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
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What’s the Next Step?
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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.