European Beech
Fagus sylvatica
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fagaceae
- Genus:
- Fagus
- Species:
- Fagus sylvatica
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- More than 40 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- apr, may, sep, oct, nov
Native Range
United States: Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Utah, Canada: Ontario
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
American Dagger Moth (Acronicta americana), black-dotted leaftier moth (Psilocorsis cryptolechiella), Bucculatrix packardella, Imperial Moth (Eacles imperialis), Io moth (Automeris io), Olethreutes fagigemmeana, Phyllonorycter restrictella, Winter moth (Operophtera brumata), Yellownecked caterpillar (Datana ministra)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 4.5 - 6.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- good drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers deep, fertile soils in native range