American Beech, Red beech, Carolina beech, Gray beech, White beech, Stone beech, Winter beech Fagus grandifolia

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Common Name: American Beech, Red beech, Carolina beech, Gray beech, White beech, Stone beech, Winter beech - Beech is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is derived from the Norse languages as a synonym for book (bok in Old Norse and Swedish, buoh in Old High German). Thin slices of beech were used for the carving of runic characters; the beech was thus the earliest form of European book.

Scientific Name: Fagus grandifolia - The generic name is Latin for beech tree, which is derived from the Greek "to eat" in reference to the edible beech nuts. The species name means "large leaves" in Latin. Sometimes called Fagus americana.

A compendium of interesting natural and cultural facts about things you commonly see on the trails in the southern Appalachian Mountain region including wildflowers, trees, ferns, plants, fungi, animals, and berries. General information and articles on hiking and on environmental issues and their attendant effects. Updated monthly. If you wish to recommend a subject for an article or have some feedback: Needham82@aol.com Author: William Needham