Fagus grandifolia

Fagus grandifolia, commonly known as the American Beech, is a species of beech native to eastern North America, from Nova Scotia west to southern Ontario in southeastern Canada, west to Wisconsin and south to eastern Texas and northern Florida in the United States.

Description

Fagus grandifolia is a large tree capable of reaching heights of up to 35–50 m (115–165 ft) tall. It has smooth, silver-gray bark and its leaves are dark green, simple and sparsely-toothed with small teeth that terminate each vein, 6–12 cm (2.4–4.7 in) long (rarely 15 cm, 5.9 in), with a short petiole.

Distribution and habitat

The American Beech is native to eastern North America, from Nova Scotia west to southern Ontario in southeastern Canada, west to Wisconsin and south to eastern Texas and northern Florida in the United States. It is often found in forests and thrives in a variety of soils.

Uses

The wood of the American Beech is heavy, hard, tough and strong, and, until the advent of power tools, was used for a multitude of purposes, such as tool handles, furniture, and flooring.

Conservation

While not currently listed as threatened, Fagus grandifolia populations are under pressure from the Beech Bark Disease, which leads to mortality of trees and decreased seed production.

See also

• Beech
• Beech Bark Disease

References

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  View of a large American Beech tree from the Old Forge Trail in Clayton Park, Upper Freehold Township, New Jersey
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  Fagus grandifolia subsp. mexicana in Zacualtipan, Hidalgo, Mexico