Copper Beech 

Large tree with deciduous simple leaves and low hanging branches with reddish purple foliage that turns blackish purple by summer.

Distribution: Native to Central Europe and Caucasus.  European colonists brought this tree to America in the mid-1700s and it has been a popular ornamental shade tree since that time. 

Uses: The bark is antacid, antiseptic, antitussive, expectorant and used for tooth ache. A tar called creosote is obtained by dry distillation of the branches. It is used as an expectorant and for various skin diseases.  A semi-drying oil is obtained from the seed and it is used for fuel, lubricant and for wood polishing.   The seed residue is poisonous.  The dried twigs can be used as toothpicks.