Cousin to our own native American beech (Fagus grandifolia), European beech is a truly spectacular specimen tree - stately form, leaves that emerge bright green turning darker as summer progresses, attractive fruit and smooth, grey bark.  Capable of achieving heights of 100', but generally attaining a respectable 50' - 60'.  European beech differs from American by the slightly darker grey color of its bark and by its leaves, which don't have teeth on their margins (leaf edges).  Unlike American beech, European beech has a cultivar that weeps (look for a 30' weeping european beech south of Grant house), and a few that have incredible purple-bronze foliage.  Reproductive catkins are produced in April and if fertilized, the beech nut develops over the summer, reaching maturity in October. Beech nuts are eaten by many animals including squirrels, mice, chipmunks, and many species of bird.

The European beech pictured here is growing on the southwest side of Hewitt hall, but perhaps this tree's more distinguising landmark is the Higher Grounds coffee and snack truck, which until recently was located immediately atop the root system.  Beech roots do not tolerate soil compaction and the tree was showing signs of stress, thus owner Vinny Cirasole agreed to move the truck to a less damaging location, just a few feet away.  Thanks Vinny!

Click here for other European beech, as well as American beech locations on campus.