American Beech

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)

Flowering American beech (Photo by Mary Gartshore)

Supported by the Weston Family Foundation