Betula alleghaniensis (Yellow Birch)

A signature northern hardwood valued for its distinctive exfoliating bark and wintergreen-scented twigs, yellow birch is a strong specification choice for cool, moist upland restoration sites and slope naturalization projects.

Species Overview

Betula alleghaniensis, commonly known as yellow birch, is a medium to large deciduous tree native to the northeastern United States and parts of Canada. It typically grows between 50 to 75 feet tall, with a straight trunk and an oval to rounded crown. Yellow birch is easily recognizable by its striking yellow-bronze bark, which peels in thin, paper-like layers, especially on mature trees. The leaves are oval to lance-shaped with finely serrated edges and turn bright yellow in the fall.

Application

• Upland hardwood forest restoration on cool, moist sites
• Slope, riverbank, and wetland-edge naturalizing plantings
• Shade tree specification where space allows for a large canopy tree
• Wildlife habitat plantings - seeds are an important food source for birds and small mammals

Growing Conditions / Specification Data

• Light: Full Sun to Part Shade
• Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Well-drained, fertile loams and sandy loams; versatile, tolerates a range of conditions
• Plant Type: Tree
• Mature Height: 50-80 ft.
• Fall Color: Yellow
• Bloom Color / Period: Green; April-May
• Wetland Indicator Status: FAC (Facultative)
• Native Range: Widespread across the Northeast, upper Midwest, and south along the Appalachian Mountains to northern Georgia
• Hydrology: Moist
• Growth Rate: Slow
• Drought Tolerance: Low
• Salinity Tolerance: Low
• Flood Tolerance: Moderate - Tolerates poor drainage, including prolonged flooding for less than about 1/4 of the growing season, or soils waterlogged roughly half the time; most common on bottomlands, floodplains, streambanks, and lake margins.
• Shade Tolerance: Intermediate
• Root Depth: Very Deep (36 in.+)
• Growth Habit: Rounded - conical when young, becoming rounded with age
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-7
• Deer Resistance: No (Frequently Damaged) - young trees are commonly recommended for deer-browse protection
• Pollinator Value: Larval host, supports bees
• Juglone Tolerance: Tolerant