beech trees
"The name Beech is in early English boc, bece, or beoce; in German Buche, and in Swedish bok, and signifies either a book or the tree, the two senses being supposed to be connected by the fact that the ancient Runic writings were engraved upon beechen boards."
There follows a lovely discussion of the Beech tree-- one of Proffessor Tolkien's favorites.
"The Beech requires a thoroughly drained soil, and accordingly flourishes on high ground, whether calcareous or sandy. Its gray stems may thus be seen--often of great girth--throwing out their spreading roots."
Nuranar: here is some practical info on the beech, latin name fagus, elvish name Almost-Mallorn:
http://www.botanyworld.com/fagus.html
Quote:
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F. grandiflora, the American Beech, is found wild from New Brunswick to Florida and Texas.
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So I'd guess, give it a well-drained spot, sandy soil, hilltop or hillside (no swamps) and you might be able to grow one of Tolkien's Almost-Mallorns, even down there in Texas.
I'd like to hear from someone who knows about linden trees. Since Tinuviel's footfall is as light as a Linden Leaf, I've always wondered. Anoone got a picture or a link?