Think of the majestic forests of the early Midwest and you think of glorious beech trees.  They and their cousins, the oaks and chestnuts are the noble components of a climax mesic forest.  In other words, this is what you see in mature, moist old forests that haven’t been ravaged by developers or loggers.  Thus, they aren’t that prevalent in the wild. Indeed, when the Midwest was initially settled by Europeans, farmers were quick to notice that beech grew on the best farm soil.   

You’ll find American Beech mostly in the Eastern Midwest and East coast but they will grow in Zone 4.  Southern and east Central Minnesota can host these venerable trees.  The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum has some wonderful specimens.  

Planting sites should be selected with caution.  The tree is intolerant of dry conditions.  So, a moist, well-drained soil is helpful.  Also, when planting west of its native range, a protected site is desirable.   As the beech grows, the trunk becomes a smooth, luscious bluish grey.   

In the fall, American beech puts on quite a show of rich golden to orange-brown foliage.  The leaves are quite delicately thin and arranged horizontally to maximize light capture.  The American beech is an outstanding shade tree which will reach 60 to 100 feet at maturity.  Intense shade is found beneath its canopy, so plan on planting shade-loving plants there.   Even fescue grass will be shaded out.  

Unfortunately, the American beech is susceptible to fungal infection.  A combination of fungi can cause cankers and ultimately kill the tree.  The U.S. Forest Service in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has been working on a disease resistant cultivar. Once established, however the American beech is a magnificent addition to a larger lawn or park

Photo Credits: Famartin, Wikipedia (1), Marylandbiodiversity.com (2), Dcrjsr, Wikipedia (3)