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 apex
Margin
Coarsely serrate with teeth corresponding to vein endings
Arrangement
Alternate on short petioles
Venation
Pinnate with highly prominent, straight, parallel secondary veins ending at each tooth
Key Features
Prominent straight parallel veins and sharply serrate margins on an elliptic, tapering blade
Description
Large deciduous tree with smooth, light gray bark and dense canopy. Produces small triangular nuts in spiny husks and turns golden-bronze in autumn.
Habitat
Mesic upland forests and rich, well-drained soils under partial to full shade
Native Range
Eastern North America from Canada down to the Gulf Coast
Identified on 10/14/2026