We’ve seen the American Beech here previously. It’s a fine forest tree, best know for its smooth bark. I’m generally a supporter of native trees in their natural form, but one of the delights of Spring in the Park is the parade of ornamental Beeches. Lining the Bridle Path, just north of Winterdale Arch, these are horticultural elaborations on the European Beech.



The Old World tree is quite similar to America’s, but although the ornamentals are generally smaller than “wild” specimens, leaf-out reveals what selective breeding can achieve.



Beeches typically have ovate, saw-toothed leaves. In Fernleaf Beech, the teeth are deepened, and the leaves elongated, creating a feathery effect, while Roundleaf Beech has lost its teeth altogether.



Other variations involve leaf color...