Betula lenta (Sweet Birch) #2 Pot
Description
Betula lenta, commonly known as sweet birch or black birch, is a deciduous tree native to the eastern United States. It typically grows to a height of 50 to 80 feet, with a straight trunk and a narrow, pyramidal crown in its youth that becomes more rounded with age. The tree is characterized by its smooth, dark, almost black bark when young, which becomes rough and fissured as it matures. The leaves are simple, ovate, and serrated, turning a brilliant yellow in the fall. In the spring, Betula lenta produces slender, cylindrical catkins that release pollen into the air.
Sweet birch thrives in well-drained, acidic soils and is commonly found in mixed hardwood forests, often on slopes and ridges. The tree is renowned for its fragrant bark, which, when scratched, releases a strong wintergreen scent due to the presence of methyl salicylate. Historically, the bark and sap were used to produce birch beer and as a flavoring similar to wintergreen. Betula lenta also has valuable wood that is hard and heavy, making it suitable for furniture, flooring, and cabinetry. Additionally, the tree plays an important ecological role, providing habitat and food for various wildlife species, including birds and mammals.
Specifications
US
500lb
20
Yellowish Green
April to May
Pinelands Nursery
Woody Plants
Medium
Yellow
Tree
Moderate
Part Shade to Shade
Pinelands Nursery
60'-80'
Food Source for Pollinators
28"
Medium
#3 Pot
FACU