PIN OAK
(Quercus palustris)
Leaves: Similar to those of [scarlet oak] but generally smaller, fewer-lobed, with more narrow and deeper spaces between [lobes]. Smooth on both surfaces.
Twigs: Dark red-brown, shiny, slender, often thorn-like. Buds rounded, smooth, smaller than those of [scarlet oak].
Fruit: An acorn, about ½″ long, often striped with dark lines; cup thin, saucer-shaped, encloses about ⅓ of nut; cup scales tight, dark-margined.
General: Bark grayish brown, rather smooth for many years; old trunks with shallow fissures and narrow flat ridges. Medium-sized and highly valued street tree. Frequents wet woodland sites. Has the smallest leaves, buds and acorns of all native oaks. Drooping dead lower branches persist for many years. Wood has same uses as red oak but is less desirable because of numerous branch knots.
AMERICAN BEECH
(Fagus grandifolia)
Leaves: Simple, alternate, 3″-4″ long, sharp-toothed, leathery; light green and glossy above, yellow-green with silky hairs below; veins prominent, parallel. Some leaves often cling to the branches all winter.
Twigs: Slender, brownish gray. Buds reddish brown, sharp-pointed, cigar-shaped; end bud ¾″-1″ long.
Fruit: A shiny brown triangled nut, ½″-¾″ long, usually two enclosed in a [stalked] prickly bur which splits into 4 parts when ripe; edible.