American beech
Captured from the historical species datasheet.
At a glance
Scientific nameFagus grandifolia
Trade / common nameAmerican beech
FamilyFagaceae
RegionNorth America
Distribution
American beech is distributed from Cape Brenton Island, Nova Scotia west to Maine, southern Quebec, southern Ontario, northern Michigan, and eastern Wisconsin; south to southern Illinois, southeastern Missouri, northwestern Arkansas, southeastern Oklahoma, and eastern Texas; east to northern Florida; and northeast to southeastern South Carolina. An isolated variety (var. mexicana) occurs in the mountains of northeastern Mexico. Prefers well-drained bottomland forests and mesic upland forests.
Uses
Baskets, Boxes and crates, Brush backs & handles, Cabinetmaking, Casks, Chairs, Charcoal, Chemical derivatives, Chests, Concealed parts (Furniture), Cooperages, Crossties, Decorative veneer, Desks, Dining-room furniture, Domestic flooring, Dowell pins, Dowells, Drawer sides, Drum sticks, Excelsior, Figured veneer, Fine furniture, Floor lamps, Flooring, Flooring: commercial heavy traffic, Flooring: industrial heavy traffic, Food containers, Fuelwood, Furniture , Furniture components, Furniture squares or stock, Handles: general, Hatracks, Joinery, Kitchen cabinets, Living-room suites, Millwork, Musical instruments , Office furniture, Organ pipes, Packing cases, Pallets, Paneling, Parquet flooring, Piano keys, Plywood, Pulp/Paper products, Pulpwood, Railroad ties, Sporting Goods, Textile equipment, Tool handles, Turnery, Vehicle parts, Veneer
Countries & Distribution
These country connections come directly from the same SQL country–species bridge used by Country Detail and the Global Navigator.
Wood images
Linked historical images associated with this species record.
American beech
Captured from the historical species datasheet.
American beech
Captured from the historical species datasheet.
Projects & Inspiration
Explore possible applications, then tell Woodley what you are interested in making.
Project images are illustrative inspiration, not species-identification photographs. Suitability should be checked against the species data and project requirements.
Baskets, Boxes and crates, Brush backs & handles, Cabinetmaking, Casks, Chairs, Charcoal, Chemical derivatives, Chests, Concealed parts (Furniture), Cooperages, Crossties, Decorative veneer, Desks, Dining-room furniture, Domestic flooring, Dowell pins, Dowells, Drawer sides, Drum sticks, Excelsior, Figured veneer, Fine furniture, Floor lamps, Flooring, Flooring: commercial heavy traffic, Flooring: industrial heavy traffic, Food containers, Fuelwood, Furniture , Furniture components, Furniture squares or stock, Handles: general, Hatracks, Joinery, Kitchen cabinets, Living-room suites, Millwork, Musical instruments , Office furniture, Organ pipes, Packing cases, Pallets, Paneling, Parquet flooring, Piano keys, Plywood, Pulp/Paper products, Pulpwood, Railroad ties, Sporting Goods, Textile equipment, Tool handles, Turnery, Vehicle parts, Veneer
What would you like to make?
Tell Woodley what you have in mind. Woodley can help explore whether American beech is suitable and guide the next steps.
Project guidance can build on this species record, its properties and documented uses.
Appearance
Heartwood color
Historical source observations are shown separately; differences may reflect source, geography, test condition or publication.
Red
Pink
Brown
Black
Reddish brown
Pale brown
Whitish
Sapwood Color
Historical source observations are shown separately; differences may reflect source, geography, test condition or publication.
Green/Grey
Red
Brown
White to yellow
Color not distinct from heartwood
White in color
Sapwood is considered narrow
Pinkish
Different than heartwood
Luster
Historical source observations are shown separately; differences may reflect source, geography, test condition or publication.
Medium
High
Exhibits a somewhat silvery sheen
Uses & Applications
Common Uses
Baskets, Boxes and crates, Brush backs & handles, Cabinetmaking, Casks, Chairs, Charcoal, Chemical derivatives, Chests, Concealed parts (Furniture), Cooperages, Crossties, Decorative veneer, Desks, Dining-room furniture, Domestic flooring, Dowell pins, Dowells, Drawer sides, Drum sticks, Excelsior, Figured veneer, Fine furniture, Floor lamps, Flooring, Flooring: commercial heavy traffic, Flooring: industrial heavy traffic, Food containers, Fuelwood, Furniture , Furniture components, Furniture squares or stock, Handles: general, Hatracks, Joinery, Kitchen cabinets, Living-room suites, Millwork, Musical instruments , Office furniture, Organ pipes, Packing cases, Pallets, Paneling, Parquet flooring, Piano keys, Plywood, Pulp/Paper products, Pulpwood, Railroad ties, Sporting Goods, Textile equipment, Tool handles, Turnery, Vehicle parts, Veneer
Product Sources
American beech is available in large supplies at a moderate price in both lumber and veneer forms.
Full Technical Species Profile
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Protected technical content includes physical and mechanical properties, working and drying characteristics, durability data, detailed technical observations, references and methodology.