IFAS Extension
Water Resources
Abstract
This massive tree will slowly reach a height and spread of 50 or more feet. Forest grown trees reach up to 120 feet. The tree is naturally low-branched with attractive glossy green leaves providing deep, inviting shade. Little grows in the dense shade of a Beech tree but if low branches are left on the tree no ground cover or grass is needed.
About this Publication
This document is ENH402, one of a series of the UF/IFAS School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences. Original publication date November 1993. Revised December 2006. Visit the Ask IFAS website at https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication. © 2026 UF/IFAS. This publication is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
How to Cite
Gilman, E., & Watson, D. (2014). Fagus grandifolia: American Beech. EDIS, 2014(2). https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-st243-1993
Authors
Edward F. Gilman
professor emeritus, Department of Environmental Horticulture
Dennis G. Watson
former associate professor, UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Gainesville, FL
Contacts
Michael Andreu
Specialist
University of Florida
professor, forest systems, UF/IFAS School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences