sweet birch (Betula lenta)
Family: Betulaceae
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| Form:
Medium sized 50 – 60 ft. in height; 2 – 3 ft. in dbh. |
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Leaves: Shape: oblong – ovate Margin: doubly serrate Texture: glabrous above, pubescent veins beneath Variation: parallel |
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| Bark:
thin; reddish black; horizontal lenticels; dehiscent |
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| Twigs and Buds:
twigs with wintergreen taste and odor |
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| Flowers and Fruit:
Fruit is long ovid and glabrous. Contains 2 nutlets. Flowers are performed aments. |
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| Distinguishing Characteristics:
Alternated leaves, bark is black in appearance, doubly serrated leave, twigs fragrant. |
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| Range:
Southern Quebec to Alabama west to southwest Kentucky. |
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| Silvics:
intermediate tolerance; deep, rich, well-drained uplands; coves. |
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| Ecological and Cultural Importance:
Sap used to make birch beer, occasionally harvested for pulpwood. Turkey and grouse eat seeds; catkins serve as an important source of soft mast for songbirds. |
