American Beech

Fagus grandifolia

Physical Characteristics

Fagus grandifolia is a deciduous Tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen from October to November. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - New Brunswick to Florida, west to Texas and Ontario.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy; Secondary;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Inner bark Leaves Oil Oil Seed Edible Uses: Coffee Oil Oil Young leaves - raw or cooked as a potherb[183]. A very nice mild flavour but the leaves quickly become tough so only the youngest should be used. New growth is usually produced for 2 periods of 3 weeks each year, one in spring and one in mid-summer. Seed - raw or cooked. Small but very sweet and nutritious[82, 117, 171, 183, 227], it is sold in local markets in Canada and some parts of America[82]. Rich in oil, the seed also contains up to 22% protein[213]. The raw seed should not be eaten in large quantities since it is believed to cause enteritis[159, 226]. It can be dried and ground into a powder, then used with cereal flours in making bread, cakes etc[183]. The germinating seeds can be eaten raw, they are tender, crisp, sweet and nutty[183]. The roasted seed is a coffee substitute[183, 213]. An edible semi-drying oil is obtained from the seed[177, 183]. Inner bark[177]. Dried, ground into a powder and then used as a thickening in soups etc or mixed with cereals when making bread[213].

Medicinal Uses

Pectoral Skin Vermifuge A decoction of the boiled leaves has been used as a wash and poultice to treat frostbite, burns, poison ivy rash etc[213, 222, 257]. The nuts have been eaten as a vermifuge[222, 257]. A tea made from the bark has been used in the treatment of lung ailments[222, 257]. It has also been used to procure an abortion when the mother was suffering[257].

Known Hazards

Large quantities of the raw seed may be toxic[159].