Knowledgebase

Blue beech trees #764797

Asked July 30, 2021, 12:40 PM EDT

MPR has guests talking about Urban forest and tree trust. One tree recommended blue beech as an understory tree. How “messy” and reproductive is it with Catkins and fruit? I am under siege from silver maple helicopters. Thanks Lynn Renee Stillwater

Washington County Minnesota

Expert Response

Carpinus caroliniana or blue beech, musclewood, American hornbeam is native to N America.  It will have an open habit in total shade, but be dense in full sun. It prefer a shady location. Squirrels and birds love to dine on the seeds and flowers. Difficult to transplant so best moved in spring as a containerized plant. Does well in sandy or clay loams with high organic matter. It has a tendency for multiple stems caused by root suckers.

https://extension.umn.edu/trees-and-shrubs/blue-beech

Pat M MN master gardener and TCA Replied July 30, 2021, 1:46 PM EDT

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