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sweet birch

Scientific Name: Betula lenta

Family: Betulaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Tree

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Sweet Birch (Betula lenta)

Sweet birch, also known as black birch, cherry birch, mahogany birch, or spice birch, is a species of birch native to eastern North America. It's a popular tree appreciated for its attractive features and historical uses.

Considerations for Pets

  • The essential oil obtained from Sweet Birch is known to be toxic.

Considerations for Children

  • The bark and leaves of the sweet birch are sweet and aromatic, and the stems taste and smell like wintergreen.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Betula lenta L.
  • Common Names: Sweet birch, black birch, cherry birch, mahogany birch, spice birch, red birch, mountain mahogany.
  • Family: Betulaceae (Birch family)
  • Synonyms: B. carpinifolia

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to eastern North America, specifically the Appalachian mountains from New England.
  • Also found in cooler areas in the mountains of Georgia and the Southwest.
  • Thrives in mountain coves and highlands.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Deciduous tree, typically reaching 15.2-21.3 meters (50-70ft) in height.
  • Bark dark and shiny, sometimes described as red-brown, resembling a cherry tree's bark as it ages.
  • Twigs have a wintergreen smell.
  • Attractive yellow fall foliage.

Traditional Uses and Interesting Facts

  • The sap is sweet and was used by Native Americans for syrup production.
  • Historically, sweet birch oil was used as a substitute for oil of wintergreen.
  • The oil is known for alleviating pain, migraines, inflammation, cellulite, and joint pain.
  • The aroma is described as sweet, sharp, and camphoraceous, reminiscent of Germolene or wintergreen chewing gum.

Quirky Facts

  • Sweet birch is considered the best fall color among cultivated birches in the Midwest.
  • The tree is best recognized by the flavor of its bark.

Resources

  • Describes physical characteristics and provides photos of leaf, twig, flower, bark, and form.
  • Includes images, distribution map, scientific classification, and wetland indicator status.