American Beech
Fagus grandifolia · Fagaceae (Beech and Oak family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous leaf
Shape
Elliptical to ovate with an acuminate tip and cuneate to rounded base
Margin
Coarsely serrate with prominent, straight veins ending at each tooth
Arrangement
Alternate arrangement along the twigs, often set in a distinct two-ranked pattern
Venation
Pinnate venation with 9 to 14 pairs of straight, parallel veins running directly from the prominent midrib to the margin teeth
Key Features
Smooth, elephant-hide gray bark, extremely sharp, cigar-shaped winter buds, straight parallel veins ending in prominent teeth, and golden-brown marcescent winter foliage
Description
The American Beech is a magnificent, slow-growing canopy tree easily recognized by its smooth, steel-gray bark and papery, coarsely toothed leaves.
Habitat
Found primarily in rich, moist, well-drained upland forests and ravines; prefers deciduous or mixed forest communities with deep soils and high humidity
Native Range
Native to eastern North America, stretching from Nova Scotia and southern Ontario down to northern Florida and eastern Texas