Beech trees are pretty amazing. There are several species worldwide, but the European beech steals the spotlight in much of Europe. With its smooth gray bark, short trunk, and sweeping branches, this tree is a standout in Belgium"s forests, as shown in today"s image. It grows in temperate regions and prefers well-drained, fertile soils, taking up to 30 years to mature. Not only do these 160-foot-tall trees dominate the landscape, but their wood is also used to make some of the sturdiest furniture, flooring, and even kitchen tools.
European beech forest, Belgium
Today in History
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50 years of the Endangered Species Act
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Bringing the moon to Earth
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On the rebirth of the Olympic Games
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Dusky eagle-owls, Pakistan
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A good time in the Badlands
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Antarctica Day
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Colorful cows of the reef
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Boating on the Bojo
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Surf s up—Down Under
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International Day of Peace
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Darwin s Arch
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Travel Sunday: San Francisco
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Old underground cellar, Bavaria, Germany
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We heart Berlin
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A treaty for science
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Chinese New Year
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International Day of Human Space Flight
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The roots of invention
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The confluence of the Arve and Rhône Rivers
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Ancient groves in Australia