An American Treat

As you are driving about during the remaining few weeks of winter, look out into the woods (preferably, as a passenger!), and notice one tree that has a specific characteristic that really catches your eye. I’m talking about American Beech (Fagus grandiflora). The eye catching characteristic is its winter leaf. Peering into a typically bare deciduous forest, American Beech catches your eye because they are so prevalent and easy to identify. This is so because American Beech trees hang on to most of last year’s leaves all the way through until spring when new growth pushes them off.

A close-up of Fagus grandiflora in leaf w/ fruit

Winter leaves of American Beech are very pretty, I think. The graceful, light tan leaves stand out and in the local woods here in Birmingham (they are native in the Eastern half of the US), where Beeches are so prevalent, the sight can become somewhat mesmerizing. American beech isn’t the only tree to hold on to its leaves through out the winter. Several oak tree varieties and other trees do so, as well, but not with the flair and beauty of the American Beech. So, be on the look out! American Beech trees can grow to 60’. They like acidic soil, which is exactly what we have in many parts of Central Alabama. It can be a difficult tree to transplant, so I advise purchasing one in a container, if you are considering planting one in your yard. Also, when hiking in some of our state parks, you'll often see where people (I'm not going to get on my high horse and say what I think of these people) have carved messages into trees. These trees are often American Beech trees.
Other ornamental characteristics include its gorgeous smooth grey bark, light green summer leaves and bronze fall color.




"See how pretty I am
without initials inside
a heart and Cupid's
arrow etched on me!"