American Beech
Arbor walk #48
This tree has dark green leaves which turn bronze in the fall. Its flowers are yellowish-green, and the female flowers yield edible beechnuts which ripen in the fall. It is native to Missouri and mostly found in the Bootheel area of the state.
| Name | American Beech |
|---|---|
| Latin Name | Fagus grandifolia |
| Type | Native |
| Diameter | 3″ caliper |
| Color of Leaf | Dark green turn to bronze |
| Shape of Leaf | 2-5″ ovate leaves with toothed edges |
| Color of Flower | Yellow-green |
| Shape of Flower | Inconspicuous |
| Fruit Characteristics | Edible beechnuts, 3 sided |
| Bark Characteristics | Smooth and silvery gray |
| Foliage Type | Deciduous |
The American Beech can easily be recognized by its distinctive long, pointy buds. This tree was actually originally recognized by the colonists, as it closely resembles the European Beech. Both bear edible beechnuts, mostly eaten by wildlife. Interestingly, the bark of the American Beech stays smooth with age unlike most trees, making it popular for carving.