American Beech

Fagus grandifolia

Description: An American beech seedling features smooth gray bark and broad, glossy leaves, thriving in shade and promising edible nuts plus striking golden-bronze fall retention. Its dense canopy supports wildlife. Plant in moist, well-drained soil under partial to full shade. Keep soil consistently humid with mulch; avoid intense afternoon sun initially. Slow growth builds a strong foundation for this enduring, shade-providing native essential to mature forests.

Source: Beech nuts taken from one of the children of our American Beech in Atlanta’s Ansley Park. Before falling during a wind storm, that tree held our neighborhood’s beloved tree swing for many years.