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Yellow Birch

Yellow Birch

Yellow Birch

(Swamp Birch)

Betula Alleghaniensis

An abundant, native tree of the maritime provinces westward to Manitoba and southward into the USA. Seeds are dispersed gradually through winter providing a steady supply of food for birds and small mammals. It has attractive, golden-yellow bark that peels in thin strips. Wind pollinated male and female flowers are on separate parts of the same tree. A pioneer species that reseeds prolifically to regenerate disturbed sites. Prune in late spring or fall as tree will bleed sap if pruned in late winter or early spring.

Additional information

Foliage

Deciduous

Locale

Native to New Brunswick, Native to North America

Height

Large (60-100ft)

Width

Wide

Form

Round

Growth Rate

Moderate

Longevity

Long (over 100 years)

Hardiness Zones *

3, 4, 5

Sun Exposure

Full Sun (over 6 hrs), Partial Sun (4 to 6 hrs)

Soil Preferences *

Moist, Slightly Acidic, Well Draining

Soil Tolerances

Slightly Alkaline, Wet

Other Tolerances

Urban Pollution

Ornamental Interest

Bark

Wildlife Value

Birds (fruits/seeds), Butterflies (flowers), Butterfly Larvae (leaves), Hummingbirds (flowers), Small Mammals (fruits/seeds)

Human Value

Carpentry (wood), Fuel (wood)

Seed Collection

Personally in NB

Planting Considerations

Can Reseed Aggressively, Intolerant of Drought, Intolerant of Road Salt, Intolerant of Soil Compaction, Shallow Roots

*Useful Links

Hardiness Zones – Canada’s Hardiness Zones

Soil Preferences – Multi-Purpose Soil Tester