This large, shaggy tree lies between the Divinity School and the sidewalk that crosses the open area to 21st Ave. S.
Beech is one of the more distinctive trees in this area. Large trees have unusually smooth
bark without the lumps seen on the previous species. The
leaves have very regular, parallel veins that extend all the way to a tooth at the margin. In fall and winter, the spear-shaped
buds are unmistakable and the
fruits look like no other.
Beeches are fairly common in this area. They often rot out in the center, making hollow trees common.
This tree is described on
p. 27 of The Trees of Vanderbilt.