American Beech
Fagus grandifolia
Dimensions:
Height: 50’ - 80’
Mature spread: 40’ - 80’
Trunk Diameter: 1.5’ - 4’
Habitat and Range:
found in most regions of Kentucky
prefers moist, well-drained soil
shade tolerant, but does not tolerate urban pollution
Features:
only beech native to North American
the nuts are a very important source of food for wildlife
smooth silver-gray bark resembles elephant skin
some of its dried, dead leaves hang on the tree throughout the winter, like oak trees
History:
its smooth bark attracted carvings called “arborglyphs” of names, dates, and symbols, such as one in Louisville that said “D. Boone Killed a Bar 1831,” or a heart with initials inside it
