American Beech
![American beech leaves (Photo by NCC)](https://www.natureconservancy.ca/assets/images/species/plant/American_beech_leaves_NCC.jpg)
American beech leaves (Photo by NCC)
A dominant climax species
American beech is often found growing close to upland oaks, hickories, black cherry, white ash and tuliptrees. It is considered a climax species.
What are climax species?
Climax species are shade-tolerant trees that dominate the forest canopy in mature, undisturbed forests (such as sugar maples).
Climax communities are an indication of stable, undisturbed forests.
![American beech bark (Photo by Bernt Solymar)](https://www.natureconservancy.ca/assets/images/species/plant/American_beech_bark_Bernt_Solymar.jpg)
American beech bark (Photo by Bernt Solymar)
![Flowering American beech (Photo by Mary Gartshore)](https://www.natureconservancy.ca/assets/images/species/plant/Flowering-American-Beech-Mary-Gartshore.jpg)
Flowering American beech (Photo by Mary Gartshore)
Supported by the Weston Family Foundation