American beech

Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.

Family: Fagaceae

Pet & Human Safety

People: Toxic to people (low severity)Pets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

fruits

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

saponic glycoside (NC State)

Hazard route

ingestion (fruits): NC State says the fruits can cause stomach irritation in some people if eaten in quantity

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

Neither UF/IFAS nor USU states toxicity information for pets. ASPCA has no page for "american beech" (checked 10/11/26), so there is no ASPCA verdict.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 3a-9b per NC State Plant Toolbox; USDA 3A-8B per UF/IFAS EDIS ST243; USDA 3-9 per USU TreeBrowser
Light: Full sun, part sun or part shade; shade tolerant (UF/IFAS).
Water needs: moderate
Mature size: 50-75 ft tall, 40-60 ft spread per UF/IFAS (reaches up to 120 ft in forest; slow to reach 50 ft); USU: often 50-80 ft tall
Where it comes from: Eastern North America from Nova Scotia to Texas and Florida; the only beech native to the US (USU).

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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