American Beech Fagus grandifolia 5 Seeds USA Company

Fagus grandifolia, commonly known as the American beech, is a large deciduous tree native to eastern North America. Here's a description of Fagus grandifolia:

Size and Growth: Fagus grandifolia is a tall and imposing tree, typically reaching heights of 20 to 30 meters (65 to 100 feet) or more, with a spread nearly as wide as its height. It has a distinctive rounded crown with smooth, gray bark.

Leaves: The leaves of Fagus grandifolia are alternate, simple, and ovate to elliptical in shape. They have finely serrated margins and are dark green in color, turning a golden bronze in the fall. The leaves are typically 5 to 15 centimeters (2 to 6 inches) long and are arranged alternately along the stems.

Flowers and Fruits: The American beech is monoecious, meaning it has separate male and female flowers on the same tree. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, appearing in the spring before the leaves unfurl. The female flowers develop into prickly husks containing two triangular nuts, known as beechnuts. These nuts mature in the fall and are an important food source for wildlife, including birds and mammals.

Bark: The bark of Fagus grandifolia is smooth and gray, with a distinctive beech-gray coloration. As the tree ages, the bark develops shallow ridges and furrows.

Habitat: American beech trees are commonly found in mixed hardwood forests throughout eastern North America, from southern Canada to northern Florida and west to the Midwest. They prefer well-drained, acidic soils and are often associated with other species such as maple, oak, and hickory.

Ecological Importance: Fagus grandifolia provides habitat and food for a variety of wildlife species. Its nuts are an important food source for many animals, including squirrels, chipmunks, deer, and bears. The dense foliage provides shelter for birds and small mammals, and the tree supports a diverse array of insect species.

Cultural Significance: American beech trees have cultural significance in North America and have been used for timber, fuel, and food by indigenous peoples and early settlers. They are also valued in landscaping for their shade, beauty, and wildlife benefits. Hardy in zones 3-9.

Growing Instructions for the American Beech

The seeds need to be planted when received or stored in a refrigerator until they are planted. The seeds have a period of dormancy. They can be planted outdoors in the fall or winter for spring germination or they can be cold stratified to simulate winter conditions and to break their dormancy at any time of the year. 1. Place the seeds in a plastic bag and seal it. Store the bag in a refrigerator for 2-3 months. 2. The seeds like moist, well-drained soil. Fill a pot with a mixture of half potting soil and half sand or vermiculite. 3. Sow the seeds on the soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil. 4. Water the container and leave it to drain. 5. Put the pot in a warm, sunny area. 6. Water the pot regularly so that the soil is moist but not wet. 7. The seedlings can be transplanted when they are a few inches tall.