Betula lenta
Betulaceae
Leaves and twigs have wintergreen scent. Black, scaly bark similar to Black cherry. Prefers cool, moist sites; when planted elsewhere, environmental stress increases susceptibility to a range of pest and pathogen problems.
Summary
Climate Tolerance
Very Poor
Wildlife Benefits
Seeds food source for songbirds, gamebirds, mammals; bat roosting site; moth/butterfly host
Pollination Type
Wind
Plant Hardiness Zones
4 to 9
# Butterfly/Moths that use as host
317
Bloom Time
Spring (Apr-May)
Shade/Sun Tolerance
Full Sun to Part Shade: Receives 2 to 6 or more hours of direct sunlight
Maximum Height
Medium (40-75 ft)
Growth Rate
Moderate: 1 ft- 2 ft per year
Soil Type
Clay: Small sized particles. Long moisture retention and low nutrient availability.
Loam: Equal mix of clay, sand, and silt. Moderate moisture retention and high nutrient availability.
Sand: Large/coarse particles. Short moisture retention and low nutrient availability.
Soil Moisture Tolerance
Moist: Soil can remain damp and does not normally retain standing water
Root - Fungal Association
Ectomycorrhizae: Symbiotic relationship with fungi that exist on outside of plant root cells, facilitating nutrient uptake
Pest & Pathogen Risks
Medium; Bronze birch borer
Urban Stress Tolerance
Low: Tree will not grow well in the urban environment
Drought Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed during periods of drought
Coefficient of Conservatism
7
Native Status
OH-Native: Species is native to Ohio
NatureServe G-rank
G5
Plant Community Type
- Beech Mixed: Occasional
- Oak Mixed: Occasional
- Alluvial: Rare
- Red Maple Mixed: Absent
- Ruderal: Absent
Bloom Color
Brown
Green
Form
Tree
Lifespan
Medium: 100-250 years
Soil pH
Acidic (pH<6.8)
Wetland Indicator Status
FACU: Facultative Upland, usually occurs in non-wetlands, but may occur in wetlands
Soil Compaction Tolerance
Sensitive: Tree will become stressed from soil being compacted
Heat Tolerance
Sensitive: Tree will become stressed from increased temperature due to urban heat island effects
Salt Tolerant
Tolerant: Tolerant to both aerial salt spray and salt present in soil
Native County Status
Cuyahoga
Geauga
Lake
Lorain
Portage
Summit
IUCN Red List Assessment
Least Concern
