Fagaceae Leaves are simple, alternate, deciduous, elliptical in shape, and coarsely serrate with parallel lateral veins running to the margin teeth. Dead leaves persist on twigs over the winter. Bark is blue-gray, thin and smooth.
Fruit is a brown triangular nut enclosed in a spiny bur.
American beech is found on fertile, mesic sites in the eastern US and is very tolerant of shade. Click on photo to enlarge. All text and photographs are intended for educational purposes only and are not for commercial use in any form. 1999, all rights reserved. Photographs by Mike Hogan or Todd Langston.