
Light Needs

Mature Height

Mature Spread

Growing Zones
Sweet Birch, more formally known as Betula Lenta, is one of the greatest multi-purpose trees you can have in your yard. A tall tree, when mature, offers shade, wildlife habitat, and a beautiful set of colors all year long. The utility of this spectacular tree is incomparable, as nearly every part is usable. The leaves, twigs, and inner bark of Sweet Birch have a strong scent of wintergreen and are used for the production of wintergreen oil. Their sap can be used to produce syrup similar to sugar maple, and the wood is great for furniture and more.
The Sweet Birch is a native to the northeastern United States. It has a unique, shiny black-brown bark, and lush, green foliage during the summer. In autumn, it has one of the most vibrant yellow colors of foliage of all birch trees. The Sweet Birch grows about a foot per year, reaching 40 to 70 feet tall. As it grows, it takes on a tight pyramidal shape that widens as it gets taller. In the spring, it produces aromatic catkins that make the tree home to many pollinators and other wildlife. Sweek Birch trees can live for over a hundred years. They make good standalone trees or can be added to any wooded landscape.
Sweet Birch Care
Sweet Birch trees grow well in rich, slightly acidic, fertile soil. They can tolerate soils being wet, but not flooded, and they do thrive if the soil is dry. They like to be in full to partial sun, and will tolerate cold temperatures well. Long, persistent heat is not ideal for this magnificent tree. Sweet Birch Trees do not need fertilization unless grown in poor quality or deficient soil. Low nitrogen fertilizers can improve the health of your tree.
Sweet Birch Trees do not need much pruning. The connection point on the limbs is weak, so usually, if a branch dies, it will fall to the ground. If you need to prune, prune sweet birch trees in the summer months after the sap has stopped flowing. Trim the branches flush with the trunk and try not to leave a stump.
Sweet Birch Spacing
As you plant Sweet Birch Trees, space them 20 to 30 feet apart. When planting other companion plants under or around a Sweet Birch tree, you should consider that Sweet Birches are prolific seeders. Your under plants may have competition from newly germinated spruce trees.
Sweet Birch Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 - 8 |
Plant Type: Trees |
Light Exposure: Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 40 - 45 Feet |
Mature Spread: 20 - 25 Feet |
Spacing: 20 - 25 Feet |
Habit: Upright |
Flower Color(s): None |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: |
Foliage Type: Deciduous |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: |
Seasonal Interest: Fall Interest |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Deer |
Tolerates: Heat |
Attracts: Birds |
Container Role: |
Uses: Specimen or Focal Point, Wildlife Gardens |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Deadheading Not Necessary, Foliage Interest, Native to North America |
Brand: American Beauties Native Plants |
Common Name: Sweet Birch |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: BETULA LENTA |
- SKU:
- 1231004795-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts

2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts

#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts

#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons

#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons

#5 Pot
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons

Best in Class Warranty
We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
Arrival Guarantee
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Free 1-Year Plant Warranty
All bushes, perennials & trees come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.

Pre-Ordered Plants
Pre-ordered plants are scheduled to ship in Spring 2025. We carefully plan our shipping dates based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure optimal planting conditions upon arrival. Want it sooner/later? Reach out, and we'll try our best to accommodate.
Estimated Spring Shipping Schedule
Estimated ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.
Growing Zone | Estimated Ship Week |
---|---|
Zone 10 | March 24th |
Zone 9 | March 31st |
Zone 8 | April 7th |
Zone 7 | April 14th |
Zone 6b | April 21st |
Zone 6a | April 28th |
Zone 5b | May 5th |
Zone 5a | May 12th |
Zone 4 | May 19th |
Zone 3 | May 26th |
Note: These are only estimated ship dates. Plants may ship out later depending on weather & growing conditions of the plant.
Note: Only plants indicated as pre-order will ship as shown above. All other plants and hard goods will ship as normal.
Plants Shipping Now
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.