Beech

The European beech is hardy over a wide region from Nova Scotia to Southern Ontario in the west. It can grow to 100 feet or more tall (30 m). It is not as hardy as our native American beech but it transplants easier and bears sooner. The edible fruit is a small, sharply-angled nut, borne in pairs in a soft-spined, 4 lobed husk. The nuts are an important wildlife food. Suited for zones 5-9. Tree size ranges from 12-18 m in height and 15 m wide (70 x 45 ft) at maturity.