BETULA LENTA / SWEET BIRCH

BETULA LENTA / SWEET BIRCH

A Graceful Native Tree with Fragrant Bark and Seasonal Color

Betula lenta, commonly known as Sweet Birch, is a native deciduous tree admired for its rich, dark brown bark with a slightly reddish hue, glossy green leaves, and striking fall color. Thriving in full sun to partial shade with moist, well-drained soils, Sweet Birch adds architectural beauty, seasonal interest, and ecological value to woodlands, large landscapes, and naturalized areas.

Why Choose Sweet Birch?

Native & Wildlife Friendly: Provides habitat and food for birds and beneficial insects.
Ornamental Bark: Dark brown, slightly reddish bark adds winter interest.
Seasonal Foliage: Glossy green leaves in spring and summer, turning golden yellow to bronze in fall.
Low Maintenance: Long-lived and adaptable to well-drained soils.

Key Features:

Foliage Color: Glossy green leaves turning yellow to bronze in fall.
Bark Color: Dark brown with a reddish tint, smooth when young, becoming furrowed with age.
Height and Spread: Typically grows 50–75 feet tall and 30–50 feet wide.
Hardiness: Hardy to USDA Zones 3–7.
Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soils; tolerant of loam and sandy soils.

Specifications:

Plant Size: 50–75 feet tall, 30–50 feet wide.
Growth Habit: Upright, pyramidal to oval tree with elegant branching.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–7.
Flowering: Catkins appear in spring; inconspicuous.
Fall Interest: Brilliant yellow to bronze foliage in autumn.

Ideal Uses:

Woodland & Naturalized Landscapes: Ideal for large gardens, parks, and forested areas.
Specimen Plantings: Makes a striking focal point in landscapes.
Wildlife Gardens: Supports birds and beneficial wildlife.
Low-Maintenance Landscapes: Resilient and long-lived once established.

Sweet Birch is a stately and ecologically valuable native tree. Its fragrant bark, seasonal foliage, and wildlife benefits make it a standout choice for naturalized landscapes, woodlands, and large ornamental gardens.