American Beech
Fagus grandifolia · Fagaceae (Beech family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Shape
Elliptic to oblong-ovate with numerous shallow, pointed teeth
Margin
Serrate or sharply toothed
Arrangement
Alternate on short petioles
Venation
Pinnate with very prominent, straight, parallel veins ending directly at the marginal teeth
Key Features
Distinctive parallel pinnate veins terminating at sharp marginal teeth and an elliptic to ovate blade
Description
Large deciduous tree with smooth, light gray bark, small bur-encased nuts, and golden-bronze autumn foliage that often persists through winter
Habitat
Understory and canopy of mature, moist hardwood forests in rich, well-drained soils
Native Range
Native to eastern North America, widely planted in temperate urban landscapes
Identified on 10/14/2026