American beech, Fagus grandifolia, is the only species of Fagus natively present in North America. It is believed that American beech had a much greater extent before the last glaciation period, even reaching to California.

Some of the largest examples of American beech can be found in the Ohio and Mississippi River Valleys, and in good conditions they reach 120 feet in height. American beeches are capable of living at high elevations, but tend to only do so when the average temperatures are warmer. In colder regions, it tends to be found at lower elevations.

Old trees can reach between 300 and 400 years.

While American beeches are not found in areas with particularly high precipitation, they do require twice as much water for growth than other drought resistant trees, such as some oaks. Growing season varies from 90 to 280 days.

American beeches are monoecious and flower in April or May. The flowers are very vulnerable to spring frosts. Beechnuts ripen a year later between September and November, with large quantities starting once the tree is 40 years of age. Typically each fruit holds two nuts.

American beech is very tolerant of shade and sensitive to flooding and fire. A record large number of fungi can attack American beech, as well as numerous insects.

Mice, squirrels, chipmunks, bears, deer, foxes, and birds can all feed upon parts of the American beech. Beechnuts are not only eaten by wildlife but also by humans.