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American Beech
Fagus grandifolia
The distinguishing feature of these trees is the incredibly smooth light gray bark. Even in mature trees, the bark remains very similar to how it appears in saplings. This is a mid-sized tree, but mature beech trunks can grow very wide (in open areas), with many wide branches splitting near the base of the trunk.
Leaves: Dark green above, pale underneath and ovulate. Often the leaf will bulge out in the middle, making it seem more round with a drawn out tip. Teeth are widely spaced and slightly hook shaped, occurring only at the end of each side vein. Leaf stalk is very short
Fall foliage: Color is an even deep tan/light brown. Leaf becomes thick and hard.
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