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.
American beech (Fagus grandifolia) twig
Close-up,see the small semicircular leaf scars, and and narrow stipule scars extending off of them.
American beech has small stipule scars.