American Beech

Fagus grandifolia
This native tree is noted for its spreading canopy and its distinctive smooth silvery -grey bark.  It is shade tolerant and does well growing with sugar maples  in the forest.   It likes moist soil and has shallow roots.  This slow growing but long lived tree can reach heights of 60-80 ft.
It is a great tree for wildlife. The nuts which are often not produced until the tree is 40 years old are prized by birds and mammals. The partial hollow trunks are a protective nesting site for mammals.  Beeches are susceptible to beech bark disease and more recently  beech leaf disease caused by a nematode (roundworm) discovered in Northern Ohio. This disease is being closely monitored to prevent spreading.
Wikipedia ODNR

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