Taxonomy
Clade | angiosperm |
Family | Betulaceae |
Genus | Betula |
Species | lenta |
Common Name | sweet birch |
iTree Code | BELE |
Plant Form
Form | Tree: narrow pyramidal crown when young, spreading irregular crown with age |
Height | 60 feet |
Spread | 30 feet |
Deciduous | Yes |
Identification Description
Foliage | green, oval to narrowly heart shaped with pointed tip; single or doubly-serrated edges; hair on veins and leaf stem (petiole) |
Leaf Type
|
Simple |
Bark | dark purple/brown with lenticels; cracking into stiff plates, then furrowed ridges |
Bud | brown/red, conical and pointed with overlapping (imbricate) scales |
Bud Arrangement
|
Alternate |
Twig | slender, red/brown with lenticels and spur shoots; wintergreen smell and taste when crushed |
Flower | catkins; male: performed (year before), narrow, 2-3" long; female: shorter and broader; male and female on same tree (monoecious) |
Fruit | small winged nutlet |
Fall Color | bright yellow |
Site Characteristics
USDA Zones
|
pH Levels | Salt Tolerance |
Min | 4a |
Min | 5.0 |
Soil | Intolerant |
Max | 7a |
Max | 7.4 |
Spray | Intolerant |
Shade Tolerance | Drought Tolerance | Allelopathy |
Intolerant |
Moderate |
Yes |
Species Status
Nebraska Native |
|
U.S. Native |
|
Region of Origin | United States, Canada |
More Information | Visit External Site |