Beech Tree Identification

Beech refers to the genus Fagus, which includes ten species of deciduous trees, all of which belong to the family, Fagaceae. Beech trees are native to the temperate regions of Europe, Asia and North America. The species that is widely found in North America is known as American beech or Fagus grandifolia. American beech is a common tree, found in the forests and woods of eastern part of the United States, that can live up to 400 years. It is the only beech tree species, that is native to North America. The tree generally prefers moist soil, provided, it is not waterlogged, and can tolerate a wide range of soil types.

Beech Tree Facts

It is usually not so difficult, due to some of its prominent features. However, for proper identification, one should be aware of some important characteristics like, the size of the tree, look of its bark and stem, the shape and size of the foliage, as well their pattern of arrangement, and the type of flower and fruit it produces. These are the key information that one should know for identifying any kind of tree. However, trees like beech, maple and oak are always easy to identify, due to their remarkable appearance.

Size of Beech Tree
The average height of a beech tree is 80 feet, though many of these deciduous trees can grow up to a height of 100 feet and more. The trunk diameter is generally two to three feet. Usually, the tree grows straight and tall in its natural habitat, to reach above the canopy of other trees, in order to get sunlight. But, if it happens to grow in a place inundated with sunlight, the trunk remains short, as the branching begins quite early. The roots of tree are quite large and muscular.

Stem and Bark
One of the most attractive features of this tree, especially the American beech is, that its bark is strikingly smooth and sleek and can remain so, even when the tree ages. This prominent characteristic makes it vulnerable to damage caused by people, who love to carve their names in that surprisingly smooth bark. Such acts often ruin the beauty of the tree and makes it susceptible to insects and fungal infection. The color of the bark is usually light gray or bluish gray in color. The twigs are slender with alternating shoots, while the buds are pointed and scaled and they are usually positioned at an angle from the twig.

Leaves
The leaves or foliage are usually oval-shaped, either entire or with serrated edges and short stalks. At the end of the veins, on the leaf margin, you can find some small teeth like structure. The leaves of the tree are about 4 to 10cm broad and reach a length of 5 to 15cm and are found to be arranged alternately along the twigs. The color of the leaves is dark green, but in fall, they become brown or yellow. This is another important characteristic, that makes the identification of this tree so easy.

Flower and Fruit
The flowers are small and yellowish-green in color. They come out when the young leaves unfold from the buds. The flowers are either male or female. The female flowers can be found in pairs and they usually have red borders. The male flowers are yellow in color and they bloom in the early spring. After pollination, the triangular-shaped fruits develop, which can be found either as single or in groups of two to three fruits, within a spiny husk. The husks split when they dry out and thereby, release the fruits. These edible fruits are generally 10 to 15 mm long and are known as 'beechmast' or beechnuts.

With their remarkable smooth bark, tall stature and unique foliage and fruits, beech trees stand out in the crowd of other deciduous trees. In fall, the tree become particularly striking with its brown or golden, yellow foliage, which not only makes it easily recognizable, but also ideal for landscaping purposes.