The yellow tones of some trees may confuse us with memories of Spring, but nothing exudes Autumn like the rich bronze-brown of the American Beech.



The Beech family includes the Oaks, which far outnumber their cousins, species-wise as well as in sheer numbers.




Many Oaks share the Beech characteristics of heavy brownish leaves that tend to linger after other trees are bare. Northern Red Oak is one of the most numerous trees in the Park. Its Autumn leaves range from golden (above) to reddish (below) but never produce vivid colors.



The same is true of Pin Oak, another of the most common trees locally, although the crown below is looking pretty ruddy.



Some Oaks, however, take things further…