American beech is native over a wide region from Nova Scotia to Wisconsin in the west and south to Texas. The European beech is similar in size and range. Both can grow to 100 feet tall (30 m). The edible nut is small & sharply-angled. It is enclosed in a soft-spined 4 lobe husk. the nuts are an important wildlife food. The smooth silvery grey bark is distinctive. Suited for zone 4-8.