American Beech
Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.
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.
Leaves
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.
Flowers
Males on rounded heads hanging from slender 1 inch stalks; females on shorter spikes.
Fruit
Prickly burs about ¾ inch long, splitting into 4 parts; each bur contains 2 three- angled (pyramid-shaped), ½ inch, shiny brown nuts.
Bark
Light gray, thin and smooth.
Twigs
Slender and zigzagged; buds shiny brown, ¾ to 1 inch long, slender, resembling pointed cigars or long thorns.
Values and Uses
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.
Did You Know?
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.
Last modified: Monday, 10-Mar-2008 20:19:10 UTC