Quick answer: American beech (Fagus grandifolia) is native to 24 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Where it's native
Listed in the register as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Part Shade, Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Medium water, Moist |
| Soil | Moist, rich, well-drained soils - sandy loam, clay loam, medium loam, acid-based |
| Bloom | Bloom Apr-May |
| Height | Up to 120 ft, typically 50-80 ft |
| Wildlife value | Beech nuts eaten by many wildlife species, nesting site, fruit for birds/mammals/rodents/deer, cover, browse |
Toxicity
Unripe, raw nuts (seeds) poisonous
Buying it
Wild species
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (15 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 15 Sep 2026
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