Betula lenta
A large birch with black bark
Betula lenta black birch
![Plant grows in the wild/spontaneously Plant grows in the wild/spontaneously](/Modules/Zulatm.WebPlants/Content/WildIcon.png)
![Plant is native to PA Plant is native to PA](/Modules/Zulatm.WebPlants/Content/PANativeIcon.png)
The species gets its name from the brown or black bark on the trunk and main branches. The leaves are roughly oval with a tapered pointed tip and a slight heart-shaped indentation at the petiole. The margins are sharply double-toothed. The broken twigs have a spicy odor. The tree can reach a height of 80 feet and have a diameter up to five feet. It produces catkin flowers in April and May and small dry fruit from August to October. The autumn coloration of this species is a uniform yellow.
Habitat & Range
Common in woods and streambanks.
Present throughout the state.
Wetland codes
EMP: | FACU |
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NCNE: | FACU |
Phenology
Flowers in April & May.
Plant Codes
S-rank: S5 (Secure)
G-rank: G5 (Secure)