A dominant broadleaved tree in the forests of eastern Canada and USA, capable of creating dense clonal thickets. Introduced 1766.

Native to eastern North America.

Monoecious.

Large (30m) with a broad crown. Bark pale grey, smooth. Twigs downy when young, soon glabrous. Leaves narrow-ovate or obovate, dark green above, paler below with hairs on the midrib and vein axils, toothed at the vein tips, on a downy petiole. Cupule 20cm with long bristles.

Thrives best on warm sites with shelter. Unusually for beech species, suckers from roots.

No notable associations where introduced.

Generally healthy. Provenance is important for the oceanic conditions of Britain, Ireland and western France.

Ornamental.