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 an acuminate apex
Margin
Coarsely serrate with teeth corresponding to each lateral vein
Arrangement
Alternate with a short, pubescent petiole
Venation
Pinnate with strictly parallel, highly prominent lateral veins ending in marginal teeth
Key Features
Prominent straight parallel veins extending directly to sharp teeth along the margin
Description
Large deciduous tree reaching heights of up to 35 meters with smooth, light gray bark. Produces small triangular nuts in spiny husks and exhibits golden-bronze autumn foliage that often persists through winter.
Habitat
Mesic hardwood forests on well-drained, nutrient-rich soils in full sun to deep shade
Native Range
Eastern North America from Nova Scotia west to Ontario and south to eastern Texas and Florida