- Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 40 - 45 Feet
- Mature Spread 40 - 45 Feet
- Growing Zones 3 - 8
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.
For more detailed information, please click here.
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Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.