The Noblest Tree

Anyone who has been fortunate enough to spend time in beech forest can attest to the awe-inspiring nature of this tree. American beech is native to eastern North America, growing from New Brunswick to Ontario and south to Florida and Texas. It is a climax species and may be the predominant species in a forest, or mixed with oaks, hickories, and/or hemlocks. In the wild, American beech often forms dense colonies by suckering up from its shallow roots. Beechnuts are important mast for wildlife, including foxes, deer, squirrels, blue jays, titmice, grosbeaks, nuthatches, turkeys, ducks, and woodpeckers.

Its handsome, smooth, silvery-gray bark is very distinctive and makes the tree as striking in winter as it is in full leaf. The new growth emerges silvery-green in spring, hardening off to dark green through the summer. The coarsely serrate leaves turn golden bronze in fall and often persist through the winter, especially on young trees and the lower portion of larger ones. American beech has an upright-oval to rounded-spreading crown, and grows 50-80 feet tall with a similar spread.

It grows best in full sun and moist, well-drained, slightly acidic (pH 5.0-6.5) soil, but as its range suggests, it is relatively adaptable to soil types as long as drainage is good. It is also surprisingly shade tolerant. American beech has a reputation for being difficult to transplant, but advances in growing trees in containers have made that less of an issue. They are slow growing, especially when first planted, but make reasonable growth once established.

This is a tree that needs space, so American beech should be used for large properties, parks, university and corporate campuses, and golf courses. Plant as a specimen, or in groves or allées.

 In 2012, a new disease known as beech leaf disease was discovered in Ohio. Since then it has spread to Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, West Virginia, and Ontario, Canada. Infected trees' leaves show symptoms of dark green striping. The leaves eventually become chlorotic, then shriveled and misshapen. Buds abort, giving trees a very sparse appearance. Saplings die in 2-5 years, while larger trees take longer to succumb. American, European, and Japanese beeches are susceptible.

Researchers have confirmed that a foliar nematode, Litylenchus crenatae subspecies mccannii, is behind the infection. Researchers have also found fungi and bacteria in infected trees and research is ongoing to determine if the nematodes alone are responsible. There are also questions as to how the nematodes are moving long distances - perhaps hitching a ride on insects, mites, birds, and mammals.

Research into treatment is also ongoing. Phosphite products show some promise.