Mature Size: 60 to 80 feet in height and 2 to 3 feet in diameter.
Form: Thick trunk and a broad, rounded crown.
Habitat: Rich, well-drained bottoms and moist coves.
Alternate, simple, 2 to 6 inches, oblong to oval and pointed, with small incurving teeth on the edges; bright yellow in autumn, later turning light tan and often remaining on the tree until spring.
Males on rounded heads hanging from slender 1 inch stalks; females on shorter spikes.
Prickly burs about ¾ inch long, splitting into 4 parts; each bur contains 2 three- angled (pyramid-shaped), ½ inch, shiny brown nuts.
Light gray, thin and smooth.
Slender and zigzagged; buds shiny brown, ¾ to 1 inch long, slender, resembling pointed cigars or long thorns.
The wood is very hard, strong and tough, though not durable when exposed to weather. The wood can be used for furniture, flooring, veneer, rough lumber, tools, wedges, novelty items, baskets, charcoal, fuel and a type of creosote used as a medicine. Beech nuts are eaten by many birds and mammals, including mice, squirrels, chipmunks, black bear, deer, foxes, ruffed grouse, ducks and blue jays. Large, older trees often become hollow, providing den sites for wildlife.
People frequently scar this tree by carving in its smooth bark. Beech is highly tolerant of shade. It often forms thickets by root suckering, so that old trees may appear to be surrounded by a ring of young ones.
Forestry in My County
Learn more about the county where you live.
Forestry Consultants
Find a forestry consultant in Virginia.
In our Web Store...
Native Trees of Virginia
The most common native tree species found in Virginia's forests are described with images of leaves, twigs, flowers and/or fruit to aid in identification.
See what people are saying about our book!
Purchase your copy online through our Web Store or pay by check when you order by mail.
