SafePlants

Yellow Birch (Betula alleghaniensis)

The Yellow Birch, scientifically known as Betula alleghaniensis, is a valuable and attractive tree native to eastern North America. It's appreciated for its wood, its ecological benefits for wildlife, and its distinctive bark.

Considerations for Pets

• The twigs and leaves of the Yellow Birch are aromatic.

Considerations for Children

• The sap of Betula alleghaniensis has a wintergreen smell and taste.

Common Names

• Yellow Birch
• Golden Birch
• Gray Birch
• Silver Birch
• Swamp Birch
• Hard Birch
• American Birch
• Quebec Birch
• Canadian Yellow Birch

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Betula alleghaniensis
• Family: Betulaceae
• Synonym: B. lutea (mentioned as an alternative name)

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to eastern North America, ranging from Newfoundland to Prince Edward Island, and extending into the upper Midwest and Appalachia.
• Common in cool regions, often found on north-facing slopes.
• Frequently grows near sweet birch, hemlock, and rhododendron.
• Thrives in moist sites and swamp edges.
• Grows on cool, moist bottomlands and drier soils up to elevations of 1,950 m.
• Extensively found in New England, southern Canada.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• A medium-sized to large deciduous tree, typically growing to 25 m tall and 60 cm in diameter. Can reach 60 to 80 feet, or even up to 100 feet.
• Has an irregularly rounded crown.
• The bark on limbs and young trunks is silvery-yellowish. Older trunks have smooth bark that breaks into curly strips.
• Mature trees have thin, shiny, reddish-brown bark.
• Bark color ranges from shiny yellow to gray-silver, becoming reddish-brown with age. It peels in thin, horizontal strips.
• Leaves are simple, alternate, and doubly-toothed.
• Heartwood is light reddish-brown, with nearly white sapwood. Figured pieces with a wide, shallow curl are occasionally available.

Ecological Role

• Yellow Birch is one of the dominant canopy species of the northern hardwood forest.
• It plays an important role in Ontario’s hardwood lumber industry.
• Provides wildlife with sustenance.

Quirky Facts

• The twigs emit a wintergreen smell when cut.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Often associated with hemlock in moist sites and swamp edges.

Resources and Further Information

• USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center &amp Biota of North America Program