-- American beechnut (Fagus grandifolia -- Family Fagaceae) is one of about ten kinds of beech found in the northern temperate zones, thriving especially in the Allegheny mountains and as far south as Florida and Texas, but doing best at higher elevations. The American beech produces the same small triangular seeds, which generally resemble large buckwheat seeds; but, in character, they resemble the chestnut. Because the meat clings to the shell, making it difficult to remove, they are not largely harvested; and the nuts soon spoil after falling unless collected and dried.

The seeds of these beech species are sometimes gathered from native trees, or from trees planted for other purposes, and used as food. The seeds are formed in prickly burrs, about 0.75 to 1 inch in diameter, which remain closed until ripe, then partially open. The angular seeds or nuts are up to 0.75 inch long. The seed coat must be removed from the kernel before eating. In general, beech nuts are similar to small chestnuts. The trees are not cultivated for the purpose of nut production.

Identifying Characteristics
Size/Form: American beech is a medium sized, deciduous tree, that reaches heights of 60' to 80'. This stately tree has a short trunk and a broad, spreading, rounded crown when growing in the open, but a long, branch-free trunk when in the forest.
Leaves: The leaves are simple, alternately arranged, and elliptical to ovate, with distinct, parallel side veins and a sharply toothed margin. The stiff, leathery leaves are glossy and light green above, with a paler, yellow-green color below. The leaf tip is tapered. Leaves have a very short petiole and may be found clustered at the ends of small branches.
Fruit: The fruits are shiny, triangular, brown nuts that are encased in a prickly bur and often found in pairs, on short stalks. The nuts are small but are sweet and edible.
Bark: The bark is distinctively smooth, tight and steel gray, with occasional dark patches. The twigs are yellowish-gray and hairy with very long, thin, reddish-brown buds.
Habitat: American beech grows best in rich, moist soils and is found in bottomlands and upland forests.