American Beech
The
genus Fagus is composed of eight species native to Asia, Europe
and North America. All species are identical at the cellular level,
microscopically. Fagus grandifolia is native to southeast Canada
and the eastern half of the United States. The trees reach heights
of 120 ft with diameters of over 3 ft. with a bark that is thin,
smooth, and gray. Fagus grandifolia has white sapwood and the
heartwood is a light reddish brown, darkening through time. Fagus
grandifolia works well with most tools under most applications.
It is used for baskets, boxes, brooms and brushes,
charcoal, chemical extracts (acetate, methanol, and wood tar-creosote),
cooperage, crates, doors, flooring, food containers, furniture,
general millwork, handles, lumber, novelties, pallets, paneling,
pulpwood, railroad ties, window sashes, trim, turnery, veneer
and woodenware (spoons, etc.).
http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/TechSheets/HardwoodNA/pdf_files/fagusmet.pdf.
Characteristics found in the Beech (Fagus sp.)
- Diffuse Porous
- Tyloses
- Simple perforations
- I/V pits large to linear
- Wide rays (>15 seriate) & homocellular to heterocellular
- Crystals in rays and axial parenchyma
WOOD SLIDES
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image.
CHARCOAL SLIDES
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