Beech trees (fagus grandifolia) are big, beautiful giants in eastern forests. The smooth bark makes them easily recognizable. The upper photo is a more typical form; the huge tree in the lower photos is a more unusual shape, probably having grown in the open for a long time. In this case the forest contained lots of maples and beeches, an example of Beech/Maple climax forests.
Beech is an underappreciated furniture wood in Canada. It is used for fine furniture in Europe and most English chair legs are turned from beech. I haven't used it as it isn't native to BC but I'm sure it would work well as spindles and backs for chairs as well as turnings.
