Species: Betula lenta

(bet'you-lah len'tah)

Sweet Birch; Black Birch; Cherry Birch

Found on Course Walks

Birch, Larch, Magnolias and Nut Trees at Arboretum

Map of plant locations

(Plant location data may be incomplete)

In Collection(s):

None Listed

Cultivars

No cultivars listed

Ornamental Characteristics

Size: Tree > 30 feet

Height: 40' - 70' (spread 35' - 40')

Leaves: Deciduous

Shape: pyramidal to irregular and spreading

Ornamental Other: Shiny cherry-like bark when young

Environmental Characteristics

Light: Full sun

Hardy To Zone: 4a

Soil Ph: Can tolerate acid to neutral soil (pH 5.0 to 7.4)

Moisture Tolerance: Consistently moist, well-drained soil; Occasional periods of dry soil
See graphic below

Insect Disease

Potential problems are bronze birch borer and leaf miner; also may be susceptible to stem canker disease

Bare Root Transplanting

Moderately difficult

Other

Native from northeastern U.S., south to Alabama; inner bark is used for commercial wintergreen flavoring

Native Range Map

Moisture Tolerance Graphic

Please view this page on a tablet or larger screen for the moisture graph

Moisture Tolerance

Moisture graphic

Occasionally saturated or very wet soil

Consistently moist, well-drained soil

Occasional periods of dry soil

Prolonged periods of dry soil

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