Family | Fagaceae

Fagaceae is a family of flowering plants that includes oaks, beeches and chestnuts. The Fagaceae are deciduous or evergreen trees and shrubs, characterized by alternate simple leaves with pinnate venation, unisexual flowers in the form of catkins, and fruit in the form of cup-like (cupule) nuts. Fagaceae is one of the most ecologically important woody plant families in the Northern Hemisphere, as oaks form the backbone of temperate forest in North America, Europe, and Asia and one of the most significant sources of wildlife fodder.

Several members of the Fagaceae have important economic uses. Many species of oak, chestnut, and beech (genera Quercus, Castanea, and Fagus, respectively) are commonly used as timber for floors, furniture, cabinets, and wine barrels. Cork for stopping wine bottles and myriad other uses is made from the bark of cork oak, Quercus suber. Chestnuts are the fruits from species of the genus Castanea. Numerous species from several genera are prominent ornamentals, and wood chips from the genus Fagus are often used in flavoring beers. 

Quercus__________________________

Southern live oak, Quercus virginiana, is an evergreen oak tree endemic to the Southeastern United States.

White Oaks

Quercus macrocarpa — bur oak — eastern and central North America

Quercus stellata — post oak — eastern North America. (Photo in edit)

RED OAKS

The red oaks  North, Central and South America. Styles long, acorns mature in 18 months, very bitter, inside of acorn shell woolly.

Quercus marilandica — blackjack oak — eastern North America.

Blackjack  Oak, Quercus marilandica
Leaf found in the top of a mature tree.

Fagus_____________________________

Gardening | Plant ID

Beech  is a genus of deciduous trees in the family Fagaceae, native to Europe, Asia, and North America

Beech grows on a wide range of soil types, acidic or basic. The tree canopy casts dense shade, and carpets the ground thickly with leaf litter.

In North America, they often form beech-maple forests by partnering with the sugar maple.

The trunk of the beech tree takes on the appearance of an elephant leg as it matures.

Cutleaf European Beech Tree (Fagus sylvatica 'Laciniata')

Cutleaf European Beech Tree (Fagus sylvatica 'Laciniata')

Round leaf European Beech Tree (Fagus Sylvatica 'Rotundifolia')


     

References.                                                                          

1. Dirr, Michael A. Manual of Woody Landscape Plants: Their Identification, Ornamental Characteristics, Culture, Propagation and Uses. Champaign, Ill: Stipes, 2010. Print.
2. Garrett, Howard. Howard Garrett's Texas Trees. Lanham, Md: Lone Star Books, 2002. Print.
3. ITIS, Integrated Taxonomic Information System. FAGACEAE

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