Scientific name: Fagus grandifolia
American Beech tree in fall
Leaf detail
Bark Detail
Identification Characteristics
- Leaves are green and glossy but turn bronze in the fall
- Leaves are 2-6 inches long and 2-3 inches wide and elliptical shape with saw-toothed edges
- The bark is very smooth and light gray
Status
- Native to continental USA and Canada
Interesting facts
- Can live for 300-400 years
- Grows between 60-80 feet tall, but sometimes grows over 120 feet in optimal conditions
- Can survive in temperatures lower than -44ºF
- Is the most shade tolerant northern hardwood species
- The earliest Sanskrit characters were carved on strips of Beech bark
- Beech nuts are the primary food source for many species like squirrels, raccoons, and birds
- The wood is used for flooring, furniture (such as chairs), charcoal, barrels to age beer, and fuelwood
References
American Beech. (2013, October 8). Retrieved from http://www.psu.edu/dept/nkbiology/naturetrail/speciespages/beech.htm
Gilman, E. F., & Watson, D. G. (1993, November). Fagus grandifolia: American Beech. Retrieved from http://hort.ufl.edu/trees/FAGGRAA.pdf
Plants Profile for Fagus grandifolia (American beech). (n.d.). Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=FAGR
TWC Staff. Plant Database: Fagus grandifolia. (2015, November 12). Retrieved from https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=fagr
Image Credits
American Beech tree in fall: "Beech with Branches" by Marqqq is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
Leaf Detail: "Fagus grandifolia beech leaves close" by Dcrjsr is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. Image cropped. Cropped image licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
Bark Detail: "Fagus grandifolia bark" by Rob Duval is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. Image cropped.Cropped image licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
