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
Serrate with distinct teeth at the vein endings
Arrangement
Alternate on a short, hairy petiole
Venation
Pinnate with very prominent, straight, parallel lateral veins
Key Features
Prominent straight parallel veins ending in sharp marginal teeth and an elliptic-ovate blade shape
Description
Large deciduous tree with smooth, light gray bark, small cylindrical winter buds, and small triangular nuts enclosed in a spiny husk
Habitat
Mesic upland forests and rich bottomlands under varying shade conditions on moist, well-drained soils
Native Range
Native to eastern North America from Canada down to the Gulf Coast
Identified on 10/20/2026