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
More Desktop Wallpapers:
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Arbor Day
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Seceda, Dolomites, South Tyrol, Italy
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Spiegelgracht canal in Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Honoring the fallen
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A notorious gunfight that was incorrectly named
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These patterns tell a story
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West Cornwall Covered Bridge, Connecticut
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International Archaeology Day
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Protect your neck
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The wild heart of Tasmania
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Reflections of the night sky
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This reef is nowhere near the sea…
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Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia
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Joshua Tree National Park
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Black grouses lekking
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Under Parisian skies
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It’s World Migratory Bird Day
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Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
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World Rivers Day
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In praise of the pipes
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Ingenuity in action on the Santa Monica Pier
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International Day of the Snow Leopard
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A Portuguese fort takes a star turn
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World Rainforest Day
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Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act marks 42 years
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Corfe gets creepy
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Total solar eclipse
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National Bird Day
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Blooming sunflowers
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Oktoberfest, Munich, Germany
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