Fagus grandifolia
Leaves: elliptical to oblong, leathery, serrated, high content of
tannin
Branching: alternate; buds are long, like a lance, and have a golden
color
Bark: smooth, light blue-gray (most distinctive feature)
Height: 70 to 80 ft.
Trunk Diameter: 2 to 3 ft.
Longevity: 300 to 400 yrs.
Tolerance: very tolerant
Range: eastern U.S., except Florida
Fun Facts:
- Wood used in inexpensive furniture and tool handles.
- Fruit (nut) is eaten by ruffed grouse, wild turkey, bobwhite, pheasant, raccoon, red and gray foxes, whitetail deer, cottontail rabbit, opossum, porcupine, gray, red and flying squirrels.
- Common to see initials carved in the smooth bark but this is not good for the tree.
