1. American Beech

Family: Fagaceae.

Native to Maryland and Eastern
North America. 80-115 feet. Easily recognized by
its smooth gray bark, the beech is one of the most
distinctive trees of North America. It is an
imposingtree, often with a short trunk and wide-
spreading crown. The 2-5-inch-long saw-toothed
leaves are dark green in the summer and turn a
lovely burnished gold in the fall. Beech trees flower
in April or early May. The beechnut, a favorite
food for many types of wildlife, is contained in a
light brown prickly casing.