Species Category Name: Woody
The American beech is a lovely shade tree that produces edible beechnuts, which are enjoyed by a wide variety of wildlife. It is unique from most other trees in that its bark remains smooth throughout its life. The surface root system of Fagus grandifolia can develop suckers that grow into new trees; entire beech groves can grow from the roots of a single tree!
Liriodendron tulipifera is Indiana’s state tree.
The tulip poplar is planted for reforestation purposes because of its rapid growth and the commercial importance of its wood, and is often planted as an ornamental.
This species has some wildlife value. The fruits provide food for squirrels in the late fall and winter months, and the white-tailed deer often browse on the twigs.
LEAVES 2-5 inches long, 1-3 inches wide, ovate, simple, alternate, dark green and glossy upper surfaces, lighter green undersides
TWIGS Silvery-gray, zig-zag shaped, slender, and pointy
FLOWERS The male inflorescence is a catkin, which is initially compact, but eventually grows fuller and fluffier. Female flowers are small and petal-less, emerging from the growing stem at the point where a new leaf is attached
FRUIT A nut covered by a spiny husk that changes from green to brown or reddish-brown and splits open to expose the nuts
YOUNG BARK Light gray, thin, and smooth
AGED BARK Light gray, thin, and smooth
MATURE HEIGHT 60-80 feet
MATURE TRUNK 2-3 feet
