In some protected areas, trees are still holding on to their dead leaves. I’m used to seeing the patches of brown leaves and occasionally, I’ll notice one that is different enough to warrant investigation. These leaves were a slightly different shade of brown and turned out to be those of the Beech,
Fagus grandiflora.
The leaf is shaped like a spear point and has neatly scalloped edges with sharp points. When fresh, the leaf has the crisp, clean cut appearance of something made with expert precision. The old leaves tend to curl and wear, but still present a striking image.
The bud is long and pointed like a pike (the jabbing weapon, not the fish). It’s hard to mistake this bud for something else.
The combination of leaf and bud makes it possible to identify this species from quite a distance.
The bark of the Beech is exceptionally smooth. This species has always been considered the official carving tree. As in carving dates, hearts and initials into the bark.
There are only a few small and no large Beech trees at Blue Jay Barrens. I was really happy to see this previously undiscovered specimen. There’s not much of an opening in the canopy here. I hope this guy is able to find a way up into the sunlight.
I always enjoy running across a Beech tree. Across the entire property I’ve probably encountered fewer than a dozen specimens. This is a small example of the species, but it still displays a handsome collection of leaves beginning to show their autumn colors.
I found the Beech growing in this small opening in the cedars. The hole in the canopy isn’t more than 20 feet in diameter and wouldn’t take more than a couple of good trees to fill it. I wonder what the chances are that the Beech could win against its competitors and claim a position in the canopy.
The primary competition for sunlight is going to come from various oaks. This species can be particularly difficult to accurately identify. Although the various characters predominately point to Blackjack Oak, Quercus marilandica; this is a species that crosses to produce a number of different hybrids. Someday I’ll have to spend time studying the different trees to see if I can identify what types of crosses are growing here. Regardless of the parentage, these are rapidly growing trees that would have no trouble overtopping the Beech.
Fragrant Sumac, Rhus aromatica, is a shrub that will not hinder the growth of the Beech. Maximum height of this shrub is usually around ten feet. The branches tend to lean as they grow, so most of the specimens are more sprawling than upright. As an understory species it often supports itself on the branches of taller trees and works its way upward in this manner.
Chinquapin Oak, Quercus muehlenbergii, seedlings can be found just about anywhere at Blue Jay Barrens. This species doesn’t seem to put on the rapid growth of most other oak species. Instead of racing toward the sunlight, Chinquapin Oak progresses slowly and seems to get left behind as stunted specimens in the understory.
Shingle Oak, Quercus imbricaria, is another fast growing oak species. The oaks already have a head start on the Beech and will probably end up shading it as they move to fill the available space. It’ll be a few years before a clear winner will be decided and it’s hard to predict the outcome with any real certainty. The competition should be interesting to watch.
