Beech

            The American Beech (fagus grandifola) grows in the Eastern part of the United States and is found in all States from Maine to Minnesota in the North, and Florida to Texas in the South. The American Beech is only one of ten species of Beech, most of which grow outside of North America in Europe and Asia.

            The bark of the American Beech is gray and very smooth, but may have some small bumps and spots of lighter color on the surface. This tree can grow up to 100 feet tall. The roots grow close to the surface of the soil and do not grow very deep. The fruit of the tree is a small nut which is a food source for many wild animals, including birds, small mammals and even black bear and white-tailed deer.