Beech trees are majestic shade trees that need lots of space to show off in the landscape. With their smooth gray bark and colorful leaves, beeches are beautiful throughout the year. While our American Beech (Fagus grandifolia), native to a large part of North America, is a fine ornamental tree, the European Beech (Fagus sylvatica) is even more popular in the United States. From central and southern Europe, this type of beech offers varieties with many different colored foliage and different growth habits.