Betula lenta – Sweet birch, Cherry birch, Black birch

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Betulaceae

Betula lenta – Sweet birch, Cherry birch, Black birch

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Native to parts of eastern North America where the tree grows in mountainous areas in fertile soils. It can attain a height of circa 25 m by nature, in cultivation it often remains smaller. Young trees have a columnar crown. Later, when the branches spread, the crown becomes wider and denser. The mature bark turns into dark brown and does not strip. The twigs and the leaves are used in cosmetics for vaporous oil. The young bark has a brown red colour. The leaf is linear ovoid and mat-shiny green with a yellow-green underside. The leaf margin is sharply double-toothed. Conspicuous is the very attractive, golden yellow autumn colouring. A well-drained soil is required. Has shallow roots with a delicate root branching and many fibrous rootlets. Strongly akin to B. alleghaniensis and B. grossa.
Availability
Organic (1)
Specifications
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Height
20 - 25 m
Width
8-10m
Crown
round to columnar, half-open crown
Bark and branches
brown, not scaling
Leaf
linear to ovoid, mat-shiny green, 5 - 10 cm
Autumn colour
yellow
Flowers
catkins, yellow green, ♀ ± 1.5 cm mid-April, ♂ April
Fruits
2 - 3 cm long, not stalked, erect
Spines/thorns
None
Toxicity
usually not toxic to people, (large) pets and livestock
Soil type
loose soil, rich in humus content
Paving
tolerates no paving
Winter hardiness zone
3 (-40,0 to -24,5 °C)
Wind resistance
moderate to good
Other resistances
resistant to frost (WH 1 - 6)
Shape
clearstem tree, multi-stem treem
Origin
eastern North America
Clear stem tree Multi-stem tree acid soil loamy soil peaty soil sandy soil tolerates no paving light-loving resistant to frost (WH 1 - 6) 1st size , taller than 12 metres half-open crown green yellowgreen early sprout average growing Attractive autumn colour non-toxic (usually)
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Frequently asked questions
Betula lenta

Betula lenta can eventually reach a height of 20 - 25 m, depending on the site and climate conditions.

Betula lenta is average growing and can eventually reach a height of 20 - 25 m, depending on the site and climate conditions.

The leaves of Betula lenta turn yellow in autumn.

The right time to plant Betula lenta is during the dormancy period. In Western Europe, Betula lenta with root balls can generally be planted from mid-November to late April, although this depends strongly on the climatic conditions and the species of tree.

Betula lenta blooms in april.
General