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 oblong-ovate with an acuminate tip and a rounded or cuneate, somewhat asymmetric base
Margin
Coarsely serrate or dentate, with each tooth marking the terminus of a straight parallel vein
Arrangement
Alternate along the twig, distichous (in a single plane)
Venation
Pinnate with extremely straight, prominent parallel secondary veins running directly from the central midrib to the margin teeth
Key Features
Smooth, unbroken light gray bark; extremely straight parallel leaf veins ending in sharp teeth; long, slender, cigar-shaped sharp brown winter buds
Description
The American Beech is a stately, large deciduous tree known for its smooth, slate-gray bark that looks much like elephant skin and stays smooth throughout its life. The foliage provides a dense canopy in summer and turns a striking amber color in fall.
Habitat
Found in rich, moist, well-drained upland soils, bottomlands, and mature northern hardwood forests. Prefers partial to full shade under a forest canopy and slightly acidic soils.
Native Range
Native to eastern North America, ranging from Nova Scotia and southern Ontario west to Wisconsin and eastern Texas, and south to northern Florida