Beech Trees

trees · nuts · temperate forests · fall colors

Two main types. Beech trees come in two different groups. One group grows only in East Asia with low, spreading branches and yellowish bark, while the other kind lives all across Europe, Asia, and eastern North America.

Delicious nuts inside. Beech trees produce small, three-sided nuts that taste sweet and have been eaten by people and animals for thousands of years. The nuts are packed inside spiky cases that pop open when they're ready.

Lose leaves in fall. Beech trees are deciduous, which means they drop all their leaves when winter comes. Before they fall, the leaves turn stunning shades of gold, orange, and red.

Strong, beautiful wood. Beech wood is incredibly strong and smooth, making it perfect for furniture, tools, and flooring. Its pale color and fine grain make it one of the most prized hardwoods in the world.

Love cool climates. Beech trees thrive in temperate and subtropical regions where winters are cool but not extremely harsh. They need plenty of moisture and do best in areas with regular rainfall.