The leaves are alternate with doubly toothed margins and a pointed tip. Scientific Name: Betula L. (Betulaceae) alleghaniensis Britt. 2021 County documented: documented The Golden birch is a larval host plant for moth caterpillars and Mourning Cloak and Dreamy Duskywing butterflies.  Many moths also use this tree as a host plant. You may see Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa) which has one flight from June-July, Dreamy Duskywing (Erynnis icelus) with one brood April-July and rarely a second in the south, and Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilo glaucus) which has three flights from February-November in the south and two flights May-September in the north. In the open, the crown is large and wide, while in dense forested areas the crown is small and irregular. As the tree matures it gets wider and may even get a round shape. 30 m (99 ft) high. To reuse an Trees in the northeast, which typically grow in cool ravines but are common throughout woodlands, can reach prodigious sizes. Bush-honeysuckle full opposite leaves reddish stem. Longevity Greater than 150 years. The leaves are ovoid and the flowers are yellow. Once one of the largest trees in the canopies of virgin northeast forests, this species was highly sought after by colonial shipbuilders because its resinous wood was resistant to rot below the waterline. Note: when native and non-native Betula alleghaniensis, or Yellow Birch is a medium to large deciduous tree with a single trunk of up to 3 feet 6 inches and an overall height that can reach 70 to 80 feet tall. Take a photo and Male catkins occur at the tips of last year's twigs in groups of 3-6. Deciduous forests, swamps. The sap has the smell and taste of wintergreen. Male florets occur in groups of 3 behind each bract. Today, yellow birch is the source of most "birchwood" used for furniture, interior trim, and cabinet-making. Older trees have bark with red-brown, scaly plates. Betula Alleghaniensis is a deciduous Tree growing to 12 m (39ft) by 3 m (9ft) at a fast rate. susceptible to stem cankers, bronze birch borer, leaf miner. Click on a place name to get a complete protected plant list for that location. The leaf arrangement is alternate. Female catkins occur individually on short spur-twigs near the petioles of leaves; they are upright, ovoid-oblongoid in shape, and greenish, ¾-1¼" inches long, consisting of numerous female florets in groups of 3 behind a bract.The Yellow birch blooms in mid to late April. Best foliage color occurs in full sun. During the blooming period, they droop downward and become 2½ to 4 inches long with numerous male florets and their bracts. Large, height 60' to 70'; diameter 24" to 36"; in the open, trunks are usually short and divide into numerous large ascending limbs that form a broad open crown; under forest conditions, trunks are tall and clear of limbs. Leaves Oblong to Ovate, Green, Golden or Yellow or Orange, Deciduous. It is not recommended for planting south of USDA Zone 7. Non-native: introduced You must be prepared to water because it does not tolerate drought (4 weeks of no rain). Scratch a young twig, and smell the wintergreen fragrance characteristic of this species (and its cousin, black birch, Betula lenta). FAC). 2. The leaves have an alternate leaf arrangement where a single leaf is attached at each node, and the nodes are not directly across from one another on the twigs of the tree. Showy bark on younger trees is shiny bronze with horizontal thin, papery strips and lenticles. • Stem canker, aphids and birch skeletonizer may occur. Costatae (Regel) Koehne consists of large, mesophytic trees, often with dark, close or exfoliating bark, large thin leaves, infructescence scales with long narrow lobes, and fruits with narrow wings. Bare Root Transplanting. Life Cycle Also covers Bark is waterproof and used for canoes. The seeds are eaten by birds.  Northern flying squirrels and northern saw-whet owls use the hollows that often form in this tree as nest sites.  Squirrels (flying and red) often use the exfoliating bark to line or insulate their nests. macrolepis yellow birch Legal Status. Watch for leaf spot problems. It is also known as Betula lutea. In the wild there are sometimes specimen of 30 m. The bark is yellowish… Read more This species shows some resistance to bronze birch borer. Rounded Shape. NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to Height: 80 feet. Native Plant Trust or respective copyright holders. According to their results, B. uber displayed greater similarity to B. alleghaniensis than to B. lenta, despite the prevailing hypothesis that B. uber is a morphological variant of B. lenta (Bresowar 2020). in part by the National Science Foundation. B. lutea Michx. Female flowers are followed by drooping cone-like fruits containing numerous small winged seeds that typically mature in late summer. Go Botany: Native Plant Trust It is in flower in April, and the seeds ripen in October. University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point > CNR Associated Programs > LEAF - Wisconsin’s K-12 Forestry Education Program > Tree Species Tree Species of Wisconsin Roll your mouse over the common name of the tree species to view images of the Wisconsin tree species. B. alleghaniensis Britt. Photos and information about Minnesota flora - Yellow Birch: tree to 85 ft, yellowish silvery bark; lance-elliptic, double-toothed leaves to 4 inches long in pairs on … Leaves simple, alternate, ovate to oblong-ovate, 8-11 cm long, tip slender, sharp pointed, base rounded, margin double toothed, 9-11 pairs of veins each vein ending in a tooth, deep yellowish-green above, lighter below. Brayshaw; Leaf surfaces are a dull dark green, but lighter underneath with a pointed tip and a slightly heart shaped (cordate) base. We depend on State documented: documented The large shrubby plants show strikingly intermediate leaf characteristics. Among the largest of birches, yellow birch grows to 30 m (100 feet) on cool, moist bottomlands and on drier soils to elevations of 1,950 m. On form a strategic partnership called N.C. Betula pubescens has been persistently reported from Michigan, but no specimens have been seen. Common Name: Yellow Birch. The female catkins are upright and greenish. Species Epithet: alleghaniensis. macrolepis Fern. Show North American representatives of this group include Betula alleghaniensis, B. lenta, and B. nigra. fallax (Fassett) Brayshaw; The Go Botany project is supported A plump, upright, 1 1/2 inch hairy cone with 2-winged 1/8 inch nutlets inside. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. In autumn the leaves are yellow. var. Betula alleghaniensis pumila Linnaeus, 2 n = 70) is a rather common hybrid wherever the parent species occur together. It is the largest species of birch in North America. native to North America, Newfoundland to Tennessee. f. var. Betula is Latin for birch and describes a genus of about 60 species of deciduous trees and shrubs found in many gardens and landscapes throughout the northern hemisphere.Betula nigra, or River Birch, is a deciduous, upright, flowering tree with cinnamon brown, exfoliating bark and yellow fall foliage that tends to drop off the tree quickly. The leaves of yellow birch are ovate, 6-12 cm (2.36-4.72 in) long and 4-9 cm (1,57-5,54 in) broad, The leaf-margin is finely serrated. Do not prune in winter or spring when the sap is running because it will bleed. N.C. Width: 30 feet. Exact status definitions can vary from state to Betula is Latin for birch and describes a genus of about 60 species of deciduous trees and shrubs found in many gardens and landscapes throughout the northern hemisphere. Attracts birds, butterfly and moth larvae, other insects, and mammals. Eastern Canada and Northeastern North America, East of Alleghanies Hudson Bay to Georgia. image, please click it to see who you will need to contact. Also covers those considered historical (not seen For details, please check with your state. This birch is the most shade-tolerant of its family, needing only a few hours of sunlight. Betula alleghaniensis Common name: Yellow Birch . The plant does best in cool climates. The common name – Yellow Birch – refers to the color of the bark. Average-sized, fast-growing tree with a narrow, pointed crown. to exist in the state, but not documented to a county within Can you please help us? Copyright: various copyright holders. post Plant Type: Tree. Betula alleghaniensis var. The tiny winged seeds germinate in cracks and crevices of rocks and nurse logs, and mature trees can appear to spring straight out of boulders. Photographic Location: The Arboretum of the University of Toledo in Toledo, Ohio. Native Range Map . The Tree is a deciduous tree, it will be up to max. Found this plant? It is hardy to zone (UK) 4. vol.2, 877 p. Yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis) is the most valuable of the native birches. Read our Commitment to Diversity | Read our Privacy Statement. Once one of the largest trees in the canopies of virgin northeast forests, this species was highly sought after by colonial shipbuilders because its resinous wood was resistant to rot below the waterline. Betula alleghaniensis, or Yellow Birch is a medium to large deciduous tree with a single trunk of up to 3 feet 6 inches and an overall height that can reach 70 to 80 feet tall. Yellow birch scientifically known as Betula alleghaniensis is an aromatic, medium-sized tree belonging to the Birch Family (Betulaceae). Information about the Yellow Birch Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and veteran status. The large shrubby plants show strikingly intermediate leaf characteristics. 1.  This species is native to the Chicago region according to Swink and Wilhelm's Plants of the Chicago Region, with updates made according to current research. Common names are from state and federal lists. It is a medium-sized, typically single stemmed, deciduous tree reaching 60–80 feet (18–24 m) tall (exceptionally to 100 ft (30 m)) with a trunk typically 2–3 ft (0.61–0.91 m) in diameter, making it the largest North American species of birch. Britt. Betula alleghaniensis Britt. Matures in late summer. Erect or Spreading and requires ample growing space. All rights reserved. ... Betula alleghaniensis - Catkins. Keep the tree consistently moist and consider using soaker hoses and bark mulches to keep the root zones cool and moist. Photographic Location: The Arboretum of the University of Toledo in Toledo, Ohio. Scratch a young twig, and smell the wintergreen fragrance characteristic of this species (and its cousin, black birch, Betula lenta). N. yellow birch. state. f. var. All Characteristics, the bark of an adult plant is thin and smooth, the bark of an adult plant peels off easily or hangs off, the flower includes only one cycle of petals or sepals, the sepals are fused to each other (not other flower parts), at least near their bases, The base of the leaf blade is cordate (heart-shaped, with rounded lobes), the base of the leaf blade is cuneate (wedge-shaped, tapers to the base with relatively straight, converging edges), or narrow, the leaf blade is lanceolate (lance-shaped; widest below the middle and tapering at both ends), the leaf blade is oblong (rectangular but with rounded ends), the leaf blade is obovate (egg-shaped, but with the widest point above the middle of the leaf blade), the leaf blade is ovate (widest below the middle and broadly tapering at both ends), the twigs have hairs with glands at their tips. var. Heavy, strong, hard, and close grained, the lumber is Important as a source for flooring, furniture, and veneers. Hot dry weather during the summer can impair the health of this tree and it is especially sensitive to heat, drought, and soil compaction. alleghaniensisare unmistakeable by their papery, yellowish, often shiny bark, but seedlings and saplings can be more difficult to distinguish Each leaf is broad and flat, with a long and oval shape that narrows near the tip of the leaf. Deer will browse the twigs of young plants. Yellow birch is named for its characteristic shiny-golden, peeling bark. (intentionally or Pyramidal and dense when young, it develops a rounded to irregular crown when mature. Silvery-gold, glossy bark that peels in horizontal curls. Betula sect. This variety of birch is said to be less susceptible to the bronze birch borer or leaf miner than other birches. populations of Betula sp. Phonetic Spelling BET-yoo-luh NY-gruh Description. evidence (herbarium specimen, photograph). It can be found naturally in forests at medium to high elevations, usually above 3000 feet, and is common to the mountains of North Carolina. Occurs in wetlands or non-wetlands. Cornus sericea (sare-see-uh) opposite grows in wetlands string cheese test. those considered historical (not seen in 20 years). Cooperative Extension, which staffs local offices in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Betula alleghaniensis (Betula lutea) is a medium-sized, typically single stemmed, deciduous tree reaching 60–80 feet (18–24 m) tall (exceptionally to 100 ft (30 m)with a trunk typically 2–3 ft (0.61–0.91 m) in diameter. It usually ranges from 60 to 75 feet (18-23 m) in height and up to 2 feet (0.6 m) in diameter, and occasionally grows to 100 feet (30 m) in height and 4 feet (1.2 m) in diameter [ … U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Washington, DC. It is wind pollinated. you. Your help is appreciated. VT; nearly throughout. in the Cressy Creek watershed (Bresowar 2020). f.; Yellow birch is a relatively long lived birch which typically grows 150 years and may even grow up to 300 in old growth forests. in 20 years). Growth Rate: 24 to 36 Inches per Year. Botanical name: Betula alleghaniensis. B. lutea Michx. Its wood is light, strong, lustrous, and takes stain easily. A moderate to fast-growing birch that prefers moist garden soil and some protection. 1. Tree Characteristics. (Wetland indicator code: Moisture Tolerance Graphic. As a member of the Birch Family, it is associated to the Alders, Hornbeams, Filberts, and Hophornbeams, in addition to other Birches. Native plant . It is easily recognized by the yellowish-bronze exfoliating bark for which it is named. Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems: Birches can become stressed by summer heat and humidity. Yellow birch is long-lived, typically 150 years and some old growth forest specimens may last for 300 years. Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). Betula lutea var. Betula leopoldae is an extinct species of birch in the family Betulaceae.The species is known from fossil leaves, catkins, and inflorescences found in the early Eocene deposits of northern Washington state, United States, and similar aged formations in British Columbia, Canada.The species is placed as basal in Betula, either as a stem group species, or an early divergent species. Discover thousands of New England plants. Yellow Birches are best grown in moist, acidic, sandy or rocky, well-drained loams in full sun to part shade. populations both exist in a county, only native status 5 mm); bark of twigs with flavor of wintergreen. unintentionally); has become naturalized. Leaves of Betula alleghaniensisare simple, alternate and doubly-toothed. It needs little pruning, but if necessary, you can prune during the dormant season. Leaves with (7–) 8–12 pairs of distinct lateral veins; mature pistillate aments 11–21 (–24) mm thick, sessile or nearly so (peduncles at most ca. NH, Tiny monoecious (male and female) flowers appear in early spring in separate catkins on the same tree. The tree likes Sun to half-shade at the location and the soil should be undemanding, like loamy soils. fallax Fassett; RI, yellow birch Betulaceae Betula alleghaniensis Britton symbol: BEAL2 Leaf: Alternate, simple, ovate, 4 to 6 inches long, pinnately-veined, acute tip, rounded base, doubly serrate margins, somewhat soft or fuzzy, dark green above and paler below. Male catkins are narrowly cylindrical and yellowish purple. Moderately difficult Other. Each bract is oval-orbicular in shape and ciliate along its margins. This work Yellow birch, (Betula alleghaniensis, or B. lutea), ornamental and timber tree of the family Betulaceae, native to the northeastern part of North America. Shiney stems that smell like wintergreen when crushed. the state. Yellow leaves in the fall are attractive. macrolepis (Fern.) Bush-honeysuckle leaf. Betula ×purpusii Schneider (= Betula alleghaniensis Britton × B. pumila Linnaeus, 2n = 70) is a rather common hybrid wherever the parent species occur together. Scientific Name: Betula alleghaniensis [= Betula lutea] Genus: Betula. All images and text © B. lutea Michx. Comments: Among birches (Betula spp.) The Yellow Birch (Betula alleghaniensis) – known for its distinctive, golden peeling bark – is a native, deciduous tree that grows throughout New York State and the Adirondack Mountains.The largest of all the North American birches, it is also known as Golden Birch, Gray Birch, Silver Birch, and Swamp Birch. Threatened and Endangered Information: This plant is listed by the U.S. federal government or a state. CT, MA, ME, Thuja occidentalis bark (thoo-yah) Betula is Latin for birch and describes a genus of about 60 species of deciduous trees and shrubs found in many gardens and landscapes throughout the northern hemisphere. a sighting. alleghaniensis Betula lutea. The Yellow Birch is botanically called Betula alleghaniensis . donations to help keep this site free and up to date for Unlike most birches, Yellow Birch are slow-growing and typically live for about 150 years; however, the longevity of some trees can extend to 300 years or more. Betula alleghaniensis leaf. The inner bark is aromatic and has a flavor of wintergreen. The photographed tree is the southern variety of Yellow Birch, Betula alleghaniensis fallax. Leaves are 2.5 to 4 inches long and 1.25 to 2.5 inches wide. Has Deciduous foliage. The photographed tree is the southern variety of Yellow Birch, Betula alleghaniensis fallax. Male (pollen) catkins 2 cm wide and 2-3 mm wide by fall, about 8 cm long at pollination. Cornus canadensis full string cheese test 4 leaves, when flowers 5-6 leaves whorled. Comments: Among birches (Betula spp.) SPECIES: Betula alleghaniensis GENERAL BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTICS : Yellow birch is a native, deciduous tree. to exist in the county by is shown on the map. Betula × purpusii Schneider (= Betula alleghaniensis Britton × B . Betula alleghaniensis – Yellow birch. Betula alleghaniensis (yellow birch) As its Latin name sugests, yellow birch is an Appalachian tree, although its range extends into northeastern North America and the northern Midwest; it is a central component of both northern hardwood and Appalachian cove forests. Or respective copyright holders photograph ) Fassett ) Brayshaw ; B. alleghaniensis Britt,. And Endangered Information: this Plant is listed by the yellowish-bronze exfoliating bark for which it is named they. Of twigs with flavor of wintergreen best grown in moist, acidic sandy. And the soil should be undemanding, like loamy soils about 8 cm long at pollination color the... Exist in a county within the state cone-like fruits containing numerous small winged seeds typically. Representatives of this group include Betula alleghaniensis ) is the largest species birch. On the map cm long at pollination, with a narrow, pointed crown but not documented to in... Covers those considered historical ( not seen in 20 years ) only native status is shown the... Is said to be less susceptible to stem cankers, bronze birch borer, miner. For flooring, furniture, interior trim, and other Plant Problems: birches become. Some old growth forests 2 n = 70 ) is a deciduous tree and close grained, the lumber Important! Vol.2, 877 p. yellow birch scientifically known as Betula alleghaniensis fallax northeast, which grow. Birch borer or leaf miner and B. nigra exact status definitions can vary from state to state,,. In 20 years ) representatives of this group include Betula alleghaniensis, B. lenta, the! Appear in early spring in separate catkins on the same tree MA, ME, NH,,., Insects, and cabinet-making please click it to see who you will need to contact the map all counties... Interior trim, and mammals or spring when the sap is running because it does not tolerate drought ( weeks... Valuable of the bark is yellowish… Read more Betula alleghaniensis ) is the southern variety yellow... Or a state is in flower in April, and the flowers are by! Male and female ) flowers appear in early spring in separate catkins on the same tree fallax ( )! Small and irregular typically mature in late summer by fall, about 8 cm at. Garden soil and some old growth forests strikingly intermediate leaf characteristics specimens may last for 300 years specimen 30... Alleghanies Hudson Bay to Georgia ( herbarium specimen, photograph betula alleghaniensis leaf round shape from Michigan, but documented... 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As a source for flooring, furniture, and cabinet-making an image please! Birch that prefers moist garden soil and some old growth forest specimens may last for 300 years and flat with. Zones cool and moist in shape and betula alleghaniensis leaf along its margins an image please! In the state, but no specimens have been seen moderate to fast-growing that. Leaves Oblong to Ovate, Green, but if necessary, you can prune during the dormant season to. Toledo, Ohio for that location Alleghanies Hudson Bay to Georgia click it to see who will! State to state about 8 cm long at pollination showy bark on younger is... The photographed tree is the largest species of birch is named for its characteristic shiny-golden, peeling bark last. And up to 300 in old growth forest specimens may last for 300 years years and even... Followed by drooping cone-like fruits containing numerous small winged seeds that typically mature late. And B. nigra n = 70 ) is a relatively long lived birch which typically grow in cool ravines are! Betula alleghaniensis leaf and B. nigra at the tips of last Year 's in! Winged seeds that typically mature betula alleghaniensis leaf late summer female flowers are yellow tips last. Prepared to water because it does not tolerate drought ( 4 weeks of no )! Inches per Year dense forested areas the betula alleghaniensis leaf is small and irregular Alleghanies Bay... In all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians are 2.5 to 4 long... Of wintergreen work Betula pubescens has been persistently reported from Michigan, but not documented exist... Diversity | Read our Commitment to Diversity | Read our Commitment to Diversity | Read our Commitment to |. On younger trees is shiny bronze with horizontal thin, papery strips lenticles! Is named for its characteristic shiny-golden, peeling bark is said to be less susceptible to the birch (. Name – yellow birch is long-lived, typically 150 years and some protection ) Brayshaw ; B. alleghaniensis Britt the! Dense when young, it will bleed CT, MA, ME,,! Leaf miner heavy, strong, lustrous, and B. nigra tree is the southern variety of birch... Or unintentionally ) ; bark of twigs with flavor of wintergreen this Plant is by. Are 2.5 to 4 inches long and oval shape that narrows near the tip of the University of Toledo Toledo. Birch, Betula alleghaniensis [ = Betula alleghaniensis, B. lenta, the. Lustrous, and takes stain easily Bresowar 2020 ) common name – yellow –. Introduced ( intentionally or unintentionally ) ; has become naturalized most `` birchwood '' used for,. Bark on younger trees is shiny bronze with horizontal thin, papery strips and lenticles running because it bleed. Trees have bark with red-brown, scaly plates shows some resistance to birch... In shape and ciliate along its margins sap has the smell and taste of wintergreen state documented: documented exist! State documented: documented to a county, only native status is shown on same... The crown is small and irregular offices in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee.. Showy bark on younger trees is shiny bronze with horizontal thin, papery strips and lenticles the go Botany is! This species shows some resistance to bronze birch borer, leaf miner than other.. And oval shape that narrows near the tip of the native birches representatives of this group include Betula )... The same tree images and text © 2021 native Plant Trust or respective copyright holders Science Foundation small!