Betula lenta / Black Birch / Sweet Birch

The widespread North American native tree, Betula lenta grows up to 75 feet tall. This birch has brownish-black bark, as opposed to the white bark of the Paper Birch (Betula papyrfera). However, the bark and twigs of this tree have an unbelievably strong wintergreen scent when scratched; “wintergreen oil” has been commercially harvested from this species. Also the fermented sap is an ingredient in birch beer. Betula lenta is an important food and habitat provider for wildlife, and is resistant to the bronze birch borer, which can quickly destroy other birch species. Grows in full sun to part shade. Plant in rich, moist, well-draining soils. Do not prune until summer when the sap has stopped flowing.

For plant description and information click below:

https://plants.sc.egov.usda.gov/java/charProfile?symbol=BELE