SafePlants

Yellow Birch (Betula alleghaniensis)

The Yellow Birch, scientifically known as Betula alleghaniensis, is a valuable and attractive tree species native to eastern North America. It is also known as Golden Birch, Gray Birch, Silver Birch, and Swamp Birch.

Yellow Birch is appreciated for its wood quality, ability to provide wildlife with sustenance, and attractive appearance. Its importance extends to the hardwood lumber industry, particularly in regions like Ontario.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that the twigs and leaves of Yellow Birch give off a smell. While the text doesn't specify any negative effects, pets may be curious and ingest parts of the plant.
• The bark on older trunks breaks. Consider that ingestion of bark could potentially cause digestive upset in sensitive animals.

Considerations for Children

• The bark on older trunks breaks. Children may be tempted to ingest bark could potentially cause digestive upset.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Betula alleghaniensis Britton
• Family: Betulaceae
• Plant Symbol: BEAL2 (USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center)
• Commercial Names: Hard Birch, Betula Wood (Canada), Canadian Yellow Birch, Quebec Birch, American Birch (UK)
• Synonyms: B. lutea (mentioned in reference to a North American Birch)

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to eastern North America, from Newfoundland to Prince Edward Island.
• Found extensively in New England, southern Canada, the upper Midwest, and Appalachia.
• Often grows in cool regions, commonly on north-facing slopes.
• Frequently seen growing near sweet birch, hemlock, and rhododendron.
• Prefers rich, moist, and cool soils, including well-drained sandy loam, loamy sand, and silt loam soils.
• Grows on cool, moist bottomlands and drier soils up to elevations of 1,950 m.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Deciduous tree growing to 12 m (39 ft) by 3 m (9 ft) at a fast rate. Can grow to 60-80 feet, or even 100 feet tall.
• Medium-sized hardwood tree, normally growing up to 25 m tall and 60 cm in diameter with a crown spread of 10 m.
• Bark is a shiny yellow to gray-silver that splits into curly strips and becomes reddish-brown as it ages. On limbs and young trunks, the bark is silvery-yellowish.
• Heartwood is light reddish-brown, with nearly white sapwood. Occasionally figured pieces are available with a wide, shallow curl.
• Leaves are simple, alternate, and doubly-toothed.
• Trunk bark is grayish-yellow to bronze and somewhat lustrous, peeling away in papery sheets that are curled along their edges.

Ecological Role

• Dominant canopy species of the northern hardwood forest.
• Plays an important role in Ontario's hardwood lumber industry.
• Provides wildlife with sustenance.

Quirky Facts

• Yellow Birch twigs emit a wintergreen smell when cut. The sap also has the smell and taste of wintergreen.
• The tree is named for its characteristic shiny-golden, peeling bark.
• The wood hardens with each impact, making it a suitable material for baseball bats.