American beech (Fagus grandifolia)

The buds of American beech are so long, narrow and pointed that they almost resemble thorns. See also how nicely imbricate (shingled) the bud scales are.

Fagus-grandifolia-twig

American beech (Fagus grandifolia) twig

Close-up,see the small semicircular leaf scars, and and narrow stipule scars extending off of them.

Fagus grandifolia stipule scar

American beech has small stipule scars.