American Beech

Fagus grandifolia · Fagaceae (Beech family)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
American Beech

Leaf Morphology

Leaf Type

Simple, deciduous

Shape

Elliptic to ovate with an acuminate tip and unlobed margins

Margin

Coarsely serrate with teeth ending at each secondary vein

Arrangement

Alternate on twigs

Venation

Pinnate with prominent, straight parallel secondary veins

Key Features

Elliptic shape, prominent straight parallel veins, and coarsely serrate margin

Description

Large deciduous tree reaching up to 35 meters with smooth, light gray bark. Produces small triangular nuts in spiny husks and exhibits golden bronze autumn foliage.

Habitat

Mesic upland forests and rich bottomlands, preferring moist, well-drained soils

Native Range

Eastern North America from Nova Scotia west to Ontario and south to eastern Texas

Identified on 10/17/2026