Yellow Birch

Betula alleghaniensis

Betula alleghaniensis, commonly known as yellow birch, is a species of birch native to eastern North America. It belongs to the Betulaceae family, which includes birches and alders. Yellow birch is one of the largest and most valuable native birch species in North America.

Yellow birch trees typically grow in moist, cool forests, particularly in regions with acidic soils. They are characterized by their distinctive yellowish or bronze-colored bark that peels in thin, papery layers, giving the trunk a shaggy appearance. The bark becomes more pronounced and deeply furrowed as the tree ages.

The leaves of yellow birch are simple, alternate, and doubly serrated, with a pointed tip. They are bright green in color and turn yellow in the fall, adding to the tree's ornamental value.

Yellow birch is prized for its high-quality wood, which is strong, durable, and fine-grained. It's used in various applications, including furniture making, flooring, cabinetry, and veneer production. Additionally, yellow birch provides habitat and food for wildlife species such as birds and mammals.