American beech (Fagus grandifolia)

Alternative Names

Latin (scientific) name: Fagus grandifolia

Common English name: American beech

French name: Hêtre à grandes feuilles

Other Information

Tree Type: Deciduous

Habitat: Moist, well-drained soil

Hardiness Zones: 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b

Description

American Beech is a medium sized tree that grows up to 25 meters and can live for over 200 years. It grows across Southern and central Ontario.

American Beech leaves are 5-15 cm long, and are blue-green on top and are more pale underneath. They have straight, parallel veins, each ending in a tooth. The leaves drop in the Fall, however may persist on saplings.

Its nuts are edible and are popular among many birds and mammals. They are covered by burs and are usually coupled in threes. The burs are green to red-brown.

Mature bark is silvery-grey, and is smooth and thin.

Sources: Tree Canada and Tree Bee