A medium yellow-barked birch of northeastern forests.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
Betula alleghaniensis, the yellow birch, golden birch, or swamp birch, is a large species of birch native to northeastern North America. Its vernacular names refer to the golden color of the tree's bark. In the past its scientific name was Betula lutea, the yellow birch.
Source: Wikipedia — Betula alleghaniensis Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Medium tree with yellowish-bronze peeling bark in strips; oval pointed-toothed leaves; smaller cones than river birch.
Similar species. Paper Birch (pure white bark). River Birch (peeling pink-cream bark).
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. N/A — photosynthesis
Behavior. State tree of New Hampshire. Distinctive yellow-bronze peeling bark.
§ Range
Northeastern US
§ Habitat
Mature deciduous forests
§ Threats
Forest loss.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the yellow birch is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Support northeastern forest conservation.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Betula alleghaniensis
- www.nwf.org — authoritative profile of Betula alleghaniensis
- iNaturalist · taxon 49162
- IUCN Red List — search for Betula alleghaniensis
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Betula alleghaniensis
§ Sources cited
- USDA Forest Service Silvics Manual
