78 



ISfaifce 1 rces oj Canada 



THE BEECHES 



Five species of beech (Fagus) are known and all are found in the northern 

 hemisphere. One species is native to this continent, the so-called ** blue beech" 

 {Carpinus caroliniana) ^ being entirely distinct from the true beech. Several 

 ornamental varieties of European origin are grown by nurserymen. 



The beeches are readily recognized by their three-angled nuts, smooth grey 

 bark, and long, sharp-pointed, lance-shaped buds. 



FAGUS GRANDIFOLIA, Ehrh. BEECH 



Common names: Beech, American beech, red beech, 

 French names: Hetre, hetre rouge. 



The beech in Canada is found throughout the hardwood region from Nova 

 Scotia to lake Superior. 



It is sometimes found in ahnost pure stands, but is usually mixed with other 

 native hardwoods. 



BEECH 

 /:oro/7c///o//\? 



When growing in a dense stand it reaches a height of 70 to 80 ft. and a diameter 

 of 2 to 4 ft. In the open the clear trunk is much shorter and the crown is large and 

 rounded. 



The clean, smooth, close-fitting, light grey bark of the trunk has made this 

 tree one of the best known wherever it occurs. Except when young it is rarely 

 mistaken for any other tree, even in winter. 



