مجموعه مقالات هفتمین سمپوزیوم بین‌المللی راش

Beeches belong to a family of plants, Fagaceae, that collectively are given the name of the beech family.  American beech, Fagus grandifolia Ehrh., is one of 10 species of beeches (Fagus) found worldwide.  Interestingly beeches are only located in the northern hemisphere.  One species is found in North American, one is European, one is found in the Caucasus Mountains on the border between Europe and Asia, and the rest are found within the temperate regions of eastern Asia.  Although the beech genus is relatively small, the European beech is a very important timber species and additionally has been used extensively for ornamental purposes.  Hence many horticultural varieties exist which display a vast array of morphological characteristics such as coloration and form.  Although a relative of European and other beeches of the world, American beech is does not enjoy the prominence of these other beeches.  The purpose of this presentation is to provide a brief overview of the ecology and silviculture of American beech, Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.