The American Beech tree, Fagus Grandifolia, has a short trunk, with a spreading crown and is a very stately tree. These beech trees have thin, smooth blue-gray bark. The American Beech grows best in full sun, but will withstand partial shade. The fagus grandifolia grows robust in well-drained, moist acid soil; but will not stand compaction.
This deciduous species has leaves that are a beautiful dark green in the summer and turn to a golden brown fall color. The foliage on young American Beech remains in winter. This beech tree is a dense shade tree whose nuts attract birds and squirrels. American Beech trees have a slow to moderate growth rate.