Betula lenta
Smooth brown, to nearly black bark with horizontal lenticles, becoming dark grey and deeply grooved with vertical cracks as they mature. Bright yellow fall colours. This tree was harvested till it was nearly endangered due to its use as wintergreen flavouring in the 1950's. This flavour and scent is caused by the high levels of methyl salicylate in this tree. Can be used to make birch syrup. The sap runs a month later than maple. Native to most of southern Ontario, North Eastern USA and the Appalachian mountains. It is usually left alone by deer unlike its yellow birch cousin which is one of their favourites. The oldest living tree is believed to be 368 years old.
| Hardiness Zone | 3 |
| Purchase Height | 80-100cm |
| Mature Height | 20m |