The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: Diamondbark™ American beech

Family: Fagaceae (beech family)

Distribution: Species native to e. North America

Hardiness: USDA Zone 5

Life form: Deciduous tree

Comments: A large native deciduous tree that may grow 100' tall, 60-70' wide after many years. This selection originated as a wild seedling in Ferncliff Cemetery and Arboretum in Springfield, Ohio, and is distinguished by shallowly fissured bark in diamond shapes unlike normal smooth gray bark. It also has dark green, glossy foliage. The original tree has developed a compact spreading crown. Small triangular seeds relished by wildlife. Yellow to bronze fall color.