Fagus grandifolia
American beech

Notes:

Often retains dead leaves into winter.

Reputedly difficult to transplant, though Dirr says in practice, results are better than its reputation. Shade and dense shallow roots preclude underplanting, but according to the USDA, it also wants a fairly deep soil.

Every single source mentions how large this tree gets, even though it takes a while to get there, and that ample space both above and below ground is required. However, should grow more upright if crowded (as in the natural forest habitat).

Susceptible to beech bark disease in the Northeast. Poor compartmentalizer of decay.

JerseyYards.org, the USDA, and UFL outnumber NCSU on the question of salt tolerance. JerseyYards.org, White Oak, Missouri BG, and the USDA all outnumber Cal Poly on the question of clay tolerance.

Sources: White Oak, Sunset, UFL, JerseyYards.org, Missouri BG, UConn, Cal Poly, USDA.

Tags:

acidic soil preferred
alkaline soil intolerant
attracts:birds (ex-humming)
attracts:larval host
attracts:mammals
branches strong
compacted soil intolerant
deer resistant
dense canopy
drought tolerant
easy to grow
edible fruit
exposure:full shade
exposure:full sun
exposure:part shade
fall color notable
fire risk low
form:tree
full sun preferred
habit:conical/pyramidal
habit:oval
infertile soil tolerant
litter:fruit
litter:minimal
long-lived
native:eastern North America
persistence:deciduous
pruning not required
rich soil preferred
root competition intolerant
root restriction intolerant
roots:shallow
roots:wide-spreading
salt intolerant
sandy soil tolerant
slow-growing
stoloniferous/suckering
type:broadleaf
use:hedge
use:naturalizing
use:shade tree
use:specimen
water:moderate to little
water:regular
well-drained soil required


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