Betula alleghaniensis (Yellow Birch)


Botanical Information

FamilyBetulaceae
GenusBetula
Speciesalleghaniensis
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (deciduous)
OriginEastern North America.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone3 - 7
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone1a - 6b
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH6 - H7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)(-40) - (-15)
Temperature (°F)(-40) - 5
Height18-22 m
Spread8 m
GrowthFast
Flowering PeriodMay

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionThe lumber is valued as it is used extensively for cabinets, furniture, flooring and doors. Tooth brushes can be made from twigs when the tips are chewed. This species has been placed on the IUCN Red List as least concern.
ID CharacteristicAttractive peeling bark of amber or golden brown with rich yellow autumn leaves.
Notable SpecimensWestonbirt, The National Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, England.
Bark/Stem DescriptionBark on young stems and branches are yellowish or bronze and produce thin papery shreds, gradually changing to reddish brown and breaking into large, ragged edged, grayish to blackish brown plates. Twigs release a gratifying wintergreen flavour.
Leaf DescriptionLeaves are 7.5-16 cm long and are a dull dark green above and pale yellow-green beneath in summer, changing to yellow in autumn.
Colour DescriptionLeaves are dull dark green above, pale yellow-green beneath in summer and changing to yellow in autumn. Bark is an attractive amber or golden brown colour.

Photographs