Text Box: Beech trees occur in moist upland soils and dry lowland areas.  Beech trees retain a smooth bark when mature. 
Text Box: Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.; Beech
Text Box: N C STATE UNIVERSITY

Smooth grey bark of a mature Beech Tree.

Brown leaves of the Beech Tree last through much of the winter. Although the bark is smooth the surface may break into ‘eyes’ (Arrow).

Sapling with smooth splotchy grey bark. Leaves remain on the tree through the winter. 

Leaves have straight, parallel veins and toothed edges.