AMERICAN BEECH

AMERICAN BEECH (Fagus grandifolia)

American beech grows up to 70 feet in height, and 3 feet in diameter. Shoots often spring up from the roots.

Beech is common and sometimes forms nearly pure stands. It grows best on rich upland soil.

The bark is of a light gray color and smooth.

The leaves are alternate, from 3 to 5 inches long, elliptic, acutely pointed, with coarse and hooked teeth; and the margin between the teeth nearly straight. Dead leaves tend to remain on trees into the winter.

The fruit consists of a bur, which usually contains 2 triangular edible nuts. These are sweet and are utilized for food by wildlife.

The winter buds are long, slender, many scaled, and sharp-pointed.

The wood is strong, hard and tough but not durable. It is used for clothespins, furniture, handles, veneer, plywood, woodenware, railroad ties, pulp, dowels, flooring, and pallets.

European Beech (Fagus sylvatica), and Purple or Copper Beech (Fagus sylvatica var atropunicea) are two species of European origin planted in southern and central Maine as ornamentals.