DAVIDSON TREASURE TREES
#083 American Beech
(Fagus grandiflora)
This beautiful beech is located along a nature trail in the Summers Walk community. The tree is very difficult to measure because of topographic constraints and the crowded nature of the forest. The circumference is accurate; the other measurements are rough estimates. This is the highest scoring American Beech in the program.
Statistics (2022)
- Circumference (In.): 100″
- Height (Ft.): 100′
- Avg. Crown Spread (Ft.): 60′
- Diameter Breast Height (In.):
- Total Points: 215
More Information
- Year Recognized: 2022
- Current condition: Good
- Property Type: Greenway
- Ecological Value: American beech, is native to eastern North America and found throughout the state of North Carolina. It is a sturdy, imposing, the large deciduous tree typically growing to 60 to 80 feet tall or more with a dense, upright-oval to the rounded-spreading crown and smooth bark that remains smooth as the tree ages. It is a low-branched tree with its mature trunk ranging from 2 to 3 feet in diameter. It can be a beautiful tree in a large area but is not recommended for smaller landscapes. American beech prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soil, is intolerant of wet or compacted soil, and prefers sun but will tolerate shade. It grows best in moist mountain coves and is often found scattered with oaks and hickories in rich, well-drained bottomlands.
