Fagus grandifolia
| American beech | |
|---|---|
Secure (NatureServe) | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Fagales |
| Family: | Fagaceae |
| Genus: | Fagus |
| Species: | F. grandifolia
|
| Binomial name | |
| Fagus grandifolia | |
| It is naturally found from eastern Canada to southeastern United States | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Fagus grandifolia var. typica Rehder | |
Fagus grandifolia, the American beech or North American beech, is a species of tree growing to 16–35 meters (52–115 feet) tall. It is one of two beech species native to North America, the other occurring in Mexico. It flourished over most of the continent prior to the last ice age, but is now limited to the east. The tree is shade tolerant and found in forests in the final stage of succession.
The nuts are eaten by animals and humans. The leaves and inner bark can be prepared as well.