Fagus grandifolia American beech (Fagaceae) Deciduous tree

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Fagus grandifolia
American beech
Deciduous tree
(1 Page of 5)

The Fagus grandifolia plant species is found in Eastern N. America - New Brunswick to Florida, west to Texas and Ontario. It is a member of the Fagaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as American beech.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Fagus grandifolia
Common Name:  American beech
Family:  Fagaceae
Author:  Ehrenb.

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

Mature Height:  10   Mature Width:  10

Habitat:  Rich uplands and mountain slopes, often forming nearly pure forests[82]. In the south of its range it is also found on the margins of streams and swamps[43, 82].

Edible Uses: 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].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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