Betula, Genus, lenta, Species,
- Genus & species
sweet birch
Overview
Betula lenta is a deciduous tree growing 40-70 feet (12-21 m) tall and 35-45 feet (11-14 m) wide, with a rounded to oval crown and a straight central trunk. Young bark is smooth, dark reddish-brown to near-black, marked with horizontal lenticels, and unlike paper birches it does not peel; with age it breaks into large irregular scaly plates. Scratched twigs and inner bark release a strong wintergreen scent from methyl salicylate, the historical source of oil of wintergreen. The ovate, double-toothed leaves are 2.5-4 inches (6-10 cm) long, dark green in summer and turning clear yellow in fall. Yellow-brown male catkins lengthen in April and May as the leaves emerge, followed by upright cone-like seed catkins that ripen in autumn. It grows in cool, moist, acidic, well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade and is native to the Appalachian region of eastern North America. The species is shallow-rooted and sensitive to heat, compaction, and prolonged drought, which limits its use in hot urban sites. The bronze birch borer can attack trees weakened by stress.
Native Range
Native to eastern North America, from Maine and southern Quebec south through the Appalachian Mountains to northern Georgia and Alabama. It grows on cool, moist slopes, ravines, and rocky woodlands.Suggested Uses
Used as a shade or specimen tree in large yards, parks, and naturalized woodland edges in cool climates. It suits moist slopes and stream-side plantings where soils stay cool. The aromatic bark and yellow fall color give it seasonal interest in native and woodland gardens.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height40' - 70'
Width/Spread35' - 45'
Bloom Information
Yellow-brown male catkins elongate to 1.5-3 inches (4-8 cm) in April and May as the leaves unfold. The flowers are wind-pollinated and inconspicuous. Upright female catkins develop into cone-like seed structures that ripen and release winged seeds from late summer into fall.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
dark green, turning clear yellow in fallGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
