sweet birch - betula lenta
Common Name: Sweet birch
Scientific Name: Family: Betulaceae Genus: Betula Species: lenta Hardiness Zone: 4 to 7 Height: 40 to 55 ft Width: 35 to 45 ft Description: Like most birch trees, the sweet birch is susceptible to many pests and pathogens (such as leaf miners, aphids, and cankers) but unlike the many of the others it is resistant to bronze birch borer. This alone could make it a more viable alternative to other birch trees in the urban environment. This tree will grow to a respectable 50' tall and 40' spread. It is definitely suited for parks or other areas within the city. The twigs smell strongly of wintergreen when scraped, and used to be used commercially to make wintergreen oil. This is where the name "sweet" birch comes from. |