no photo — written note
Plants
Smooth grey bark and pale winter buds mark the shade-loving heart of old woods.
Field facts
HabitatMature mesic forest, ravines
RangeStatewide, best in the south and northeast
When to lookCopper leaves hold into winter
StatusSecure; beech leaf disease emerging (Indiana DNR / IUCN Red List)
Look-alikesHornbeam, Hophornbeam
Field note: Beech-maple forest is the classic climax woodland of northern Indiana.
Lesson
Watching responsibly
Never carve the bark — wounds never heal and invite decay.
Your records
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