Fagus grandifolia

Fagus grandifolia, is commonly known as American Beech. It is native to eastern North America, from Nova Scotia west to southern Ontario in southeastern Canada, west to Wisconsin and south to eastern Texas and northern Florida in the United States. Trees in the southern half of the range are sometimes distinguished as a variety, F. grandifolia var. caroliniana, but this is not considered distinct in the Flora of North America. A related beech native to the mountains of central Mexico is sometimes treated as a subspecies of American Beech, but more often as a distinct species, Fagus mexicana (Mexican Beech).

This is one of our more beautiful and stately trees, with smooth, grey bark and interesting, but attractive "grasping" roots. The canopy is widely spreading, and the branch architecture is horizontal. The winter buds are elongate and pointed, like little missiles.  The beech nuts are food for a variety of woodland animals.  Generally prefers moist to drier soils. Grows well on north slopes.