2022 GNPS Plant of the Year - American Beech
Featuring the GA Native Plant Society's 2022 Plant of the Year
By: Steve Sanchez, HGOR’s native plant and tree expert.
The American Beech, is only one of 10 beech species found around the northern hemisphere and the only one native to North America. Though hard to find in the nursery trade due to its slow growth, it is a tree worth seeking out.
As one of the dominant canopy trees of the eastern mesic forest Beech is a larval host plant for several insect species, and its nuts are high in protein and sought after by many bird and mammal species.
As an ornamental tree, the American Beech has no rival. Its dense canopy provides much-needed summer shade. Its smooth gray bark (its most distinguishing characteristic) and golden leaves, held throughout the winter months, offer a unique beauty to the landscape.
The American Beech is often deemed temperamental due to the rich forest habitat where it is generally found. However, nothing could be further from the truth. This tough tree will grow in all types of permanently wet soil conditions and may live to be well over 400 years. HGOR has used this tree for projects necessitating courtyard specimens, street trees, and environments requiring a low-dense canopy. The American Beech is a consistently reliable option for providing liveliness to the garden experience.
Several projects in which HGOR has incorporated the GNPS' Tree of the Year are:
Georgia Chapter - ASLA Honor Award in 2008 and is T2 + C-Tech LEED Gold Certified
- HGOR designed a 3-acre central space inspired by traditional geometric forms, comprised of a private garden, outdoor dining and gathering areas, and walkways promoting a healthier lifestyle. The harmoniously organized space, with a mixture of plants, hardscape and furniture elements, offers a magical area of leisure and recreation.
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
- This LEED Gold Certified project features a state-of-the-art urban forest on-site, providing guests, patients, and employees a welcome respite year-round. The central lawn is encompassed by two pavilion spaces, a fountain, kinetic sculpture, and a boardwalk. The 1.5-acre garden at the facility's entrance provides a grand sense of arrival that encourages healing and transformation.