Betula lenta – Sweet Birch or Cherry Birch

The Basics

Zones 4-7
Soil – moist well drained is best. Tolerates dry. Tolerates clay and rocky soi
Light – Sun to part sun
Size – up to 50′ high, 35′ – 40′ at maturity.
Deer Tolerant

Native Range

Appearance

Glowing yellow fall color. Its dark shiny bark resembles that of cherry trees.

Use in the Landscape

Use on woodland edge or as a specimen.   When crushed, leaves and stems emit an wintergreen scent.  Oil of wintergreen can be extracted from all parts of the tree.  The sap can be tapped to create birch beer or birch syrup.

Ecological Function

Leaves support a large number of Lepidoptera (Butterfly/moth) caterpillars including the Green Comma.  Caterpillars in turn are important food for birds. Leaf cutter bees use pieces of the leaves to line their nests.