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American beech

plant
Also known as: Fagus grandifolia, red beech

Quick Summary

The American beech (Fagus grandifolia) is a forest tree native to eastern North America. It is characterized by smooth, gray bark, light green leaves, and edible nuts. Beech trees, in general, are known for their tall, spreading canopies and smooth, steel-gray bark. Their leaves are typically shiny green and arranged alternately on the stem, turning yellow in the autumn.12

Beech nuts are a food source for game animals and can be used to fatten poultry. An edible oil can also be extracted from them. The wood of beech trees is pale red-brown, durable, and valued for various indoor uses, tool handles, and shipping containers.2

However, American beeches are susceptible to beech bark disease, a serious ailment caused by the combined action of the beech scale insect and a fungus. This disease can lead to the destruction of the living bark, wilting foliage, and ultimately, the death of the tree.3

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