Description
Blue beech is also known as American hornbeam, or musclewood. It does well, even in areas inundated with water for several days to a week or two once it is established. Although blue beech is moderately drought-tolerant, it is probably best to provide even established trees with some irrigation during dry spells in the south. Blue beech grows in sun or shade (as an understory tree in the woods) and tolerates most soils, including wet soil. It however does not like alkaline soil. Blue beech will grow in an attractive open habit in total shade but is very dense when grown in full sun. It transplants well with regular irrigation. Because of its dense wood, it survives ice storms well.
