3 Common Birch Trees In Ohio (Pictures & Identification)
Because of their stunning visual appeal, birch trees are a popular choice for landscaping in Ohio. Their striking white bark and delicate foliage make them a highly sought-after ornamental tree species.
There are several types of birch trees found in Ohio, each with its own set of characteristics and aesthetic appeal.
This article will look at the ornamental qualities of three of the most common birch trees in Ohio: the Sweet Birch, Yellow Birch, and Paper Birch. We’ll look at their characteristics, benefits, and how to care for them so they thrive in your garden.
1. Sweet Birch
- Common Name: Sweet Birch
- Scientific Name: Betula lenta
- Mature Height: 50-70 feet
- Native/Non-Native: Native
- Flowers/Cones: Cones
- Uses: Sap for syrup, birch beer
The Sweet Birch trees are the most common birch trees in Ohio. It is a magnificent tree that may reach heights of 70 feet and has a single straight trunk with a circular, uneven crown. Its oval leaves are 2-3 inches long, yellowish-green on top, and paler on the bottom.
When young, the bark of the tree is brownish-red and smooth, but it darkens with age and often becomes scaly. Many winged nutlets, each 18-inch broad, are produced by this tree and are located in conelike seed catkins that grow upright on the branches. The tree has an eye-catching golden fall color.
The gorgeous blossoms on this tree are what set it apart. Male and female blooms grow on the same Sweet Birch tree. Catkins are long, yellow-brown cylinders that hang from the branches of the male flowers. Female flowers are smaller and grow near the bottom of the catkins.
The Sweet Birch tree is well-known for its wintergreen fragrance, which is emitted when fresh twigs are split or crushed. This tree’s sap can be gathered and boiled down to form a delectable syrup. The European settlers even fermented syrup and honey to create birch beer.
This tree is resistant to the larvae of the Bronze Birch Borer insect, which kills most other birch species. The Sweet Birch is a native of southern Ohio and is a great tree for rich moist soils.
It can survive for up to 150 years and is also known as Cherry Birch or Black Birch. Take a deep breath and savor the delicious wintergreen aroma of a delicious Birch if you ever stumble across one.
2. Yellow Birch
- Common Name: Yellow Birch
- Scientific Name: Betula alleghaniensis
- Mature Height: 50–70′ (15–21 m)
- Native/Non-Native: Native
- Flowers/Cones: Cones
- Uses: Furniture and veneers.
Yellow birch, or Betula alleghaniensis, is a natural tree that can reach heights of 50-70 feet. It features a single stem with spreading branches and drooping ends, as well as a circular and uneven crown.
The bark is bronze to yellow in hue and covered in thin papery scales that curl up in rolls. The most distinguishing aspect of Yellow Birch is the color of its bark, from which it receives its popular name.
Yellow Birch has catkins that are 1-2 inches long. Many winged nutlets, 18 inches broad, are packed in a cone-like seed catkin, 1 inch long, and growing vertically on a branch. Simple, oval to lance-shaped leaves, 3-5 inches long, alternately connected, with a pointy tip, double-toothed margin, and dull green color. Yellow Birch has yellow fall color.
Yellow Birch is commonly found in rich moist soils, frequently in rainy areas, and partial shade. It is a taller birch that is regarded to be underutilized in landscaping.
When crushed, the tree’s twigs emit a lovely wintergreen perfume (methyl salicylate), and the fragile twigs can be used to make a nice-tasting tea.
Yellow Birch wood is commonly used to build furniture and veneers, and deer feed heavily on its seedlings.
3. Paper Birch
- Common Name: Paper Birch
- Scientific Name: Betula papyrifera
- Mature Height: 40-60 feet (12-18 meters)
- Native/Non-Native: Native
- Flowers/Cones: Catkin flowers and conelike seed catkins
- Uses: Canoes, baskets, water containers, and campfire starter
The paper birch trees are one of the rarest birch trees in Ohio. The bark of these trees is one of its distinguishing features. These trees have white, smooth bark with dark horizontal lines. Its name derives from the fact that it resembles paper.
It’s worth noting that American Indians used its bark to make canoes, baskets, and water containers. The dried bark is also frequently used to light campfires.
Catkin blooms and conelike seed catkins on Paper Birch trees produce many winged nutlets in early winter.
The fact that both male and female flowers grow on the same tree distinguishes it as a monoecious plant. The leaves of the tree are basic, oval to triangular, and 2-4 inches long. The margins of these leaves are double-toothed, with pointy points.
The Paper Birch is a tree that prefers moist or sandy soils and high humidity levels. It thrives in moderate to full shade as an understory tree. When planted alone on a sunny residential lawn, it may not grow as well. When these trees are stressed, the larva of the Bronze Birch Borer beetle can cause damage.
Common Birch Trees In Ohio – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This section goes through some of the most commonly asked questions related to native and common birch trees in Ohio. These questions are taken from threads and forums related to gardening and nature.
Do birch trees grow in Ohio?
Birch trees can be found in Ohio, and three varieties are native to the state. They include river birch, paper birch, and yellow birch. The northeastern and northwestern regions of the state are frequently home to these trees, which prefer cool, humid environments. However, with the right maintenance and care, they can also be grown in other parts of Ohio.
Are there white birch trees in Ohio?
White birch, also known as paper birch, is a birch species found in Ohio, but it is not as common as other birch species such as yellow birch and river birch. Paper birch trees prefer cool, moist environments and are typically found in the state’s northeastern and northwestern regions. If you want to grow a paper birch tree in Ohio, make sure it has plenty of sunlight, well-drained soil, and consistent moisture levels.
What are the uses of birch trees in Ohio?
Birch trees have both practical and ornamental uses in Ohio. Birch trees’ attractive white bark is highly valued for landscaping and can add visual interest to any outdoor space. Birch trees are often used in parks, residential yards, and along roadsides.
Native American tribes have used the bark of birch trees for centuries for a variety of medicinal purposes, including the treatment of headaches, arthritis, and skin irritations. Birch sap can also be harvested and used to make birch syrup, a sweet and flavorful substitute for maple syrup. Birch trees also provide critical habitat and food for wildlife such as birds and deer. Lastly, birch wood is used for a wide range of applications, including furniture, flooring, and paper products.
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Sources
The Regional Gardening team makes sure that the information in our articles is accurate by only using sources that are known to be trustworthy. Some of these sources are peer-reviewed journals from government agencies, well-known universities, and scientific research organizations.
- Trees Of Ohio, Division Of Wildlife
- Trees Of Ohio Field Guide, Book by Stan Tekiela
- Ohio Trees, OSU Extension Publications
- Native Plant Lists, Ohio Department Of Natural Resources
- Ohio Department Of Agriculture
- Gardening, The Ohio State University
