The American Beech (Fagus grandifolia) is a beautiful, smooth-barked tree common across eastern North America that can grow to significant proportions. It typically reproduces clonally, so if you find one, you can likely find more near by, and they will be part of the same plant. Unfortunately, invasive diseases are an increasing hazard to this plant, from beech bark disease, spread by the scale insect Cryptococcus fagisuga, to the even more deadly beech leaf disease caused by the nematode Litylenchus crenatae mccannii, that threaten massive ecosystems (you can probably thank the planting of nonnative species of beech). So consider planting it to help prepare for the coming beechpocalypse (more genetic variety can help). It is also quite edible.
Fagus comes from greek fagito, “to eat,” and grandifolia which means “large leaves,” so it should come as no surprise that this species has a few edible uses. The leaves are, in fact, edible, though typically only when young and soft. The inner bark is also edible, though I wouldn’t recommend it if you like keeping the tree alive. The seeds are also a tasty treat, though you have to be careful with the nuts, as they have a small amount of a toxic compound called “fagin.” Remove the skin (most easily done after roasting) and the fagin is gone. Another issue with eating the seeds is that American beech typically don’t start producing seeds until they are 40 years old and not in large numbers for another 20.
The beech is a staple to the ecosystem, from the edible leaves and nuts to the fact that it supports over 100 species of caterpillars. Thus, you could do much worse than planting this tree
Native Range Map:
Link
Elbert L. Little, Jr. (1977), Atlas of United States trees, Vol. 4, minor Eastern hardwoods: U.S. Department of Agriculture Miscellaneous Publication 1342
Top Photo Credit:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4061423