During winter hikes, have you noticed trees that are keeping their shimmering bronze and withered leaves instead of dropping them? American beech (Fagus grandifolia) trees are marcescent — meaning plant parts withering without falling off. Sometimes growing in large groves, these beautiful trees with smooth silver bark, can be observed on the eastern end of the mountain, and especially in low drainage depressions and creek banks or on the edges of the forest reaching for the sun.
