Most large beech trees are hollow and provide excellent den sites for a host of wildlife. The small, triangular nuts are very tasty and relished by man and animals alike. It is said the beechnuts may be dried, roasted, and ground to make a fine coffee substitute. Early americans also used beech leaves to stuff their mattresses. They also can live up to 400 years old. They are also very slow growing. It will grow the most between 1 and 6 and will grow to about 12 feet in the first 10 years. Then its slow going from there. You cant start a new one of a pruned branch. You can off some plants, not a beech. Beech wood is strong, hard, and heavy, light red in color, resistant to splitting, and takes a high polish. It is used for furniture, handles, veneer, and for food containers because of its clean odor. It also makes an excellent firewood. It prefers deep, fertile, well-drained soils wherever moisture is available in the upper layers. An arid soil is also prefered.
Hope this helps,
Darin