2 Common Beech Trees In Utah (Photos & Identification)
One of the most appealing aspects of traveling through temperate zones in Northern Hemisphere regions is the sheer number of majestic beech trees. If you are wondering if these trees can be found in Utah, this article has the answer.
The genus Fagus contains ten different varieties of beech trees. Only one is indigenous to North America, while the other nine are indigenous to the Northern Hemisphere. Furthermore, the one is not native to the western United States, including Utah.
However, there are still many beech trees in Utah. These trees are not growing naturally, but rather as a result of people planting them for aesthetic reasons. And, in this article, I will take you through the two most common beech trees in Utah, as well as provide complete details for easier identification.
Let’s begin.
1. American Beech
- Common Name: American Beech
- Scientific Name: Fagus grandifolia
- Mature Height: 50 to 80 feet (some specimens can exceed 100 feet)
- Flowers/Cones: Inconspicuous flowers appear in spring.
- Native Range: Eastern North America
- Uses: Landscaping, wood for furniture, paneling, veneers, etc.
The American Beech (Fagus grandifolia) is an eastern North American deciduous tree. It is well-known for its towering grandeur and ecological importance in the region’s woodlands. This overview will go through the American Beech’s leaves, flowers/cones/twigs, bark, wood, landscape uses, and mature height.
The American Beech’s leaves are simple, alternating, and oval in form. They have a smooth, glossy appearance and are dark green. The leaves are veined and have serrated edges. They turn a gorgeous golden bronze hue in the fall, adding to the tree’s aesthetic appeal.
The blossoms of the American Beech are small and occur in the spring. Male flowers are long and slender catkins, whereas female flowers are tiny and surrounded by spiky husks. These husks mature into prickly bur-like nuts known as beech nuts. The tree’s twigs are slender and silky, and the hue is reddish-brown.
The bark of the American Beech is smooth and gray, and as the tree matures, it develops a distinctive pattern of small, horizontal ridges. Because it retains its smooth look even in older specimens, it is sometimes mistaken for the bark of younger American Beech trees.
The wood of the American Beech is pale yellow-brown and has a beautiful, straight texture. It is strong, rigid, and long-lasting, making it excellent for a wide range of applications such as furniture, flooring, and veneers. The wood is also used to make fuel and charcoal.
The American Beech is commonly planted as an ornamental tree in parks, gardens, and big landscapes. Because of its great size and spreading crown, it is a popular choice for avenues and sheltered locations. The mature height of the American Beech ranges between 50 and 80 feet, with some outstanding examples reaching over 100 feet.
2. European Beech
- Common Name: European Beech
- Scientific Name: Fagus sylvatica
- Mature Height: 50-60ft
- Native/Non-Native: Native to Europe, but also planted in cooler climates worldwide
- Flowers/Cones: Inconspicuous flowers in small groups, fruit is a triangular, edible nut enclosed in a woody bur.
- Uses: Important timber tree, used for flooring, tool handles, and furniture.
The European Beech, commonly known as Fagus sylvatica, is a lovely tree that can reach fairly great proportions. Its leaves are simple and oval, ranging in length from 2 to 4 inches and width from 1.5 to 2.5 inches. They have a brilliant dark green top and a lighter green underside, and in the fall, they change from a beautiful golden-yellow to a reddish-orange color.
When grown, the European Beech twigs are slender and light gray, with a slightly glossy appearance. The buds are dark, pointy, and covered in overlapping scales. When the blooms of the European Beech open, they are inconspicuous and appear in small groups, frequently resembling leaves. The tree’s fruit is a triangular, edible nut approximately 5/8 inch long and enclosed in a woody bur.
The European Beech’s bark is thin and smooth, with a lovely dark gray tint that roughens with age. This tree’s wood is particularly significant for timber since it is pale in color and has noticeable growth rings. It’s used for things like flooring, tool handles, and furniture.
While the European Beech is native to Europe, it is also commonly planted in milder climes worldwide. It favors chilly, damp environments, but can survive somewhat high soil pH levels. This tree is fairly shade resistant and can grow in both shaded and full sun conditions if given proper water. Many varieties are available, each with a unique crown form, leaf color, shape, and branch features. Cultivars with purple and variegated leaves, on the other hand, may suffer from leaf scorch in hot, sunny conditions. The European Beech grows well in zones 4-7.
Common Beech Trees In Utah – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This section contains the most frequently asked questions about beech trees in Utah.
Are there beech trees in Utah?
Although beech trees (specifically, Fagus grandifolia) are not native to Utah, they can be found in cultivated environments such as parks, arboretums, and gardens. Individuals have been planted in specific locations for their aesthetic and ornamental value, even though they are not commonly seen in the wild. Along with American Beech,
European Beech trees can also be spotted in the state occasionally.
The presence of beech trees in Utah is primarily limited to cultivated settings rather than their natural occurrence.
Where do beech trees grow best?
Beech trees (genus Fagus) thrive in the Northern Hemisphere’s temperate zones. They thrive in areas with moderate temperatures, plenty of rain, and well-drained soil. They prefer moist, fertile soils that are high in organic matter. Beech trees are frequently found in forests or woodlands alongside other tree species. They are known to thrive in Europe, parts of Asia, and certain regions of North America, particularly the eastern and northeastern United States. The native species of eastern North America is the American beech (Fagus grandifolia), which is well adapted to its specific climatic conditions.
What are the uses of beech trees in Utah?
Beech trees in Utah are not native, but they can still serve various purposes when cultivated in certain environments. The aesthetic value of beech trees in parks, gardens, and arboretums, providing shade and ornamental beauty, is one of their potential uses.
Because of its strength and durability, beech wood is ideal for furniture, flooring, cabinetry, and veneer. It is also used to make tool handles, musical instruments, and other specialty items. Furthermore, beech trees can provide environmental benefits such as improved air quality, soil stabilization, and wildlife habitat support.
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Sources
The Regional Gardening team makes sure that the information in our articles is accurate by only using sources that are known to be trustworthy. Some of these sources are peer-reviewed journals from government agencies, well-known universities, and scientific research organizations.
- Trees & Shrubs In Yard And Garden, Utah State University Extension
- Native & Non-Native Tree Identification, Utah State University Forestry Extension.
- Native Plants, Utah Native Plant Society.
- A Guide To The Trees Of Utah & Intermountain West, Book By Michael Kuhns, Utah State University Press.
