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 tip and unlobed margins
Margin
Serrate with distinct teeth corresponding to each vein ending
Arrangement
Alternate on short petioles
Venation
Pinnate with straight, highly prominent, parallel veins extending directly to the margin teeth
Key Features
Ovate shape combined with straight, parallel veins ending in sharply serrated teeth
Description
A large deciduous tree featuring smooth, light gray bark, small cylindrical winter buds, and prickly husks containing triangular nuts that turn golden-bronze in autumn
Habitat
Mesic upland forests and rich bottomlands, thriving in moist, well-drained soils under deep to partial shade
Native Range
Native to eastern North America, from southern Canada down to the Gulf Coast
Identified on 10/17/2026