American Beech
Fagus grandifolia · Fagaceae (Beech family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Shape
Elliptic to ovate with an acuminate tip
Margin
Coarsely serrate with distinct teeth at vein endings
Arrangement
Alternate on short petioles
Venation
Pinnate with very straight, highly prominent parallel lateral veins
Key Features
The elliptic leaf shape paired with straight, evenly spaced pinnate veins ending in distinct teeth.
Description
A large deciduous tree growing up to 35 meters tall, featuring smooth, light gray bark, small nut fruits enclosed in burrs, and golden-bronze autumn foliage.
Habitat
Mesic deciduous forests on rich, well-drained soils in full shade to partial sun
Native Range
Eastern North America from Nova Scotia west to Ontario and south to eastern Texas
Identified on 10/17/2026