The American Beech's leaves have a couple distinctive features. They have diagonal lines that run down both sides of the leaf, which all come to a point. This causes the leaf to have jagged edges. They are also a vibrant shade of green. In the winter, they turn to a shade of light brown (see pictures).

The American Beech's bark is very distinctive from the typical tree. It is much more smooth in texture, with little to no ruggedness on its trunk. It also has a unique light-gray color, which can stand out from brown trees surrounding it.

The American beech (Fagus grandifolia) is the only species of this genus in North America. Although beech is now confined to the eastern United States (except for a smaller Mexican population) it once extended as far west as California and probably flourished over most of North America before the glacial period. (Tubbs and Houston)

The American Beech provides shelter and habitat for insects and songbirds, including the black-capped chickadee. Additionally, beechnuts serve as a food source for many species of birds and mammals, including mice, squirrels, chipmunks, black bear, deer, foxes, ruffed grouse, ducks, and bluejays. (Eick and Cao)

Beech timber is suitable for a variety of purposes, including fuel, furniture, cooking utensils, tool handles and sports equipment. The wood burns well and was traditionally used to smoke herring. (“Beech, common (Fagus sylvatica)”)

Though there is a good abundance of these trees, and they are not the most threatened in comparison, they still have their own enemies. The main one is Beech leaf disease (BLD), which affects and kills both native and ornamental beech tree species. It is associated with a nematode, Litylenchus crenatae mccannii. This disease has only been discovered in recent years and much about it, including the full cause and how it spreads, is still unknown. (“Beech Leaf Disease - NYSDEC”) Of course the tree also faces the unnatural process of human deforestation, just like most tree species on Earth. 

The American Beech's main way of reproducing in the wild is through sexual reproduction and seeds. This is not the only way, though, as they can do it vegetativley through root sprouts.