Native to eastern North America, the American beech will stand out in any forest. It is a large deciduous tree, sometimes growing up to 120 feet tall . Its crown is typically dense, upright-oval to rounded-spreading. It blooms yellowish green flowers in the spring, the male flowers in drooping, long-stemmed, globular clusters and the female flowers in short spikes. Female flowers give way to triangular nuts enclosed by spiny bracts. Beechnuts ripen in the fall and are edible. It holds its toothed, golden-brown leaves very late into the winter.
Good upland tree. Likes full sun at maturity. Tolerates shade when young. Large space such as lawns, parks, are necessary for wide-spreading root system. Can sucker from roots. Transplant during dormant season.
Quick Growing Guide
Botanical Name: Fagus grandifolia
Also Called: Other names: Red Beech, Hêtre rouge, Hêtre américain
En français: Hêtre à grandes feuilles
Sun / Shade:
Water: Low to moderate need for water. Does not like excessively wet soils.
Height:
Companion plant suggestions include Mixed woods, often with Sugar Maple, Yellow Birch and Eastern Hemlock.
Comments
More From Gardening Calendar
Canada Milk Vetch
Attract hummingbirds, birds, butterflies and bees with Canada Milk Vetch – a beautiful flower perfect for bouquets, heavy clay soils and winter flowerpots. Perfect for restoration gardens, erosion control and dry climates.
Veggie Bites – Cool Crop Planter and Gypsy Moths
To try a cool crop planter, find a large pot and place it in partial shade. You can use seeds or seedlings. Watch for Gypsy moths.
Gardenia Plant Problems
We discuss a series of gardenia problems homeowners may experience, including yellowing leaves, dropping buds, and sooty mold.
Jack-in-the-Pulpit
Jack in the Pulpit has a unique and beautiful tubular green flower. It needs constantly moist soil rich in organic matter.
GROWING AND CARING FOR GREEN BEANS
When it comes to growing beans, there are many different types of beans that can be grown in your garden or even inside the house in a container.
10 Fabulous Bulbs to Plant in the Fall
Choose 10 of the best bulbs to bring brilliant spring color to your garden! From fragrant Hyacinth to stately Allium, bring joy to early spring with Winter Aconite, Tulips, Crocus, Glory of the Snow and more. Plant before October to ensure stunning blooms.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.