The beech tree is noted for its smooth bark, often carved into:

Sadly, the great majority of them in this part of the country have bark disease which renders them practically unrecognizable, and eventually kills them

It’s apparently been around for a long time, and started up north.

On a brighter note, the bark of the ironwood (also known as muscle wood or blue beech) is quite beautiful. It has a unique texture and feels like bulging muscles.

Also beautiful is the bark of the yellow birch

Pulling for the beech tree,

Junco