Other Common/Trade Names: None
Scientific Name: Fagus gradifolia
Best Characteristics for Identification: Obvious noded rays and ray flecks. Two very distinct ray thicknesses.
Uses: Low grade lumber, pulp.
General Natural Range: Eastward from the Mississippi River to the Atlantic Ocean. North to Southern Ontario and the Canadian Maritimes.
Identical or Nearly Identical Species: None.
Other Species Easily Confused With: American sycamore.
Means of Distinguishing Similar Species : Beech has both bi-serrate and multi-serrate rays whereas sycamore rays are all multi-serrate. Ray flecks are less abundant on radial and tangential faces than in sycamore but they are longer.