Yellow Birch Tree (Betula Alleghaniensis) – 1 Gallon Pot

USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 3a-7b  Find Your Zone

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A North America native that unlike most other birches is slower growing and can live up to 300 years. Betula alleghaniensis, or Yellow Birch is a large tree that over time can reach heights of up to 80 feet tall with a dense pyramidal and when young developing a more rounded crown when mature. In early spring, attractive clusters of cylindrical catkins (flowers) hang down from stem tips. The bark of this species is highly attractive at all stages. Showy bark on younger trees is shiny bronze with horizontal, thin, papery strips and lenticles. Older trees develop attractive red-brown bark with scaly plates. We’ve heard the sap can be made into syrup or beer, but haven’t tried it. This tree tends to like cooler climates in USDA Zones 3a to 7b. That said, if you’re a risk-taker in Zone 8 who wants to give it a try plant it in a shady environment with and consistently moist soil during the summer.

The Yellow Birch  birch is a host plant for Mourning Claok and Dreamy Duskwing butterflies as well as many moth species. The seeds produced in summer are eaten by birds.  Northern flying squirrels and northern saw-whet owls use the hollows that often form with age on this tree as nest sites. Squirrels use the exfoliating bark to line or insulate their nests.

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