How to identify American beech (Fagus grandifolia)
American beech stands as a majestic deciduous behemoth, generally reaching a height of 60 to 80 feet (18 to 24 meters), crowned by a dense canopy that can spread into an upright-oval or rounded shape. It's characterized by remarkably smooth bark, which retains its sleek texture throughout the tree's maturity. Low-branching with a robust trunk, it typically has a diameter of 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm), hinting at its long-standing presence. Its tolerance to slight salinity is an additional trait of note.
Lifespan: Perennial
Plant Type: Tree
Leaf Type: Deciduous
Smooth, thin gray bark distinguishes american beech among trees, lacking fissures or roughness.
Ovate-oblong leaves with acuminate tips, serrated edges, and tiny bristles on margins.
Zig-zag gray stems with slender awl-shaped buds ending in pointed tips.
Small yellowish-green flowers lack petals, forming clusters in March to May.
Triangular nuts in spiky brown husks, ripening in fall and edible.
The leaves of american beech are simple, alternate, and ovate-oblong in shape, measuring 2 to 5 inches (5 to 13 cm) in length and half as wide. They have an acuminate tip and coarsely serrate edges. Dark green and glossy on the upper surface, they are lighter green below, sometimes with tomentose midribs and vein axils. Parallel veins extend to the margin, which is lined with tiny bristles. These leaves are typically grouped towards the ends of branches or short branchlets.
The monoecious flowers of american beech bloom yellowish-green from March to May. Male flowers form in drooping, long-stemmed, globular clusters, while female flowers appear in short spikes. The flowers lack prominent petals and are small, typically less than 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) long. They do not produce a noticeable scent. The female flowers eventually develop into triangular nuts encased in spiny bracts, which ripen in fall and are edible.
The stem of american beech is somewhat zig-zag in its growth pattern, adding a distinct visual appeal. Its color is grayish and notable for a shiny texture. The stems are slender, typically measuring around 3/4 to 1 inch (1.9 to 2.5 cm) in length, and they have awl-shaped, imbricate buds that are slender and shiny, culminating in a pointed tip. This combination of features is crucial for identifying american beech.
The fruit of american beech is distinctive for its prickly, brownish husks that form a protective layer around the nuts. Each nut, typically found in pairs or trios, has an irregular triangular shape and measures approximately 3/4 of an inch (1.9 cm) in length. These shiny brown nuts are not only identifiable by their unique trigonous form but are also edible. The spiky exterior remains on the tree beyond the nut's fall, which usually takes place between September and October. This textured encapsulation is a key feature for recognition.
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Scientific Classification of American beech
