Betula lenta Linnaeus var. lenta . Sweet Birch, Cherry Birch, Black Birch, "Mahogany". Phen: Mar-Apr; Jun-Jul. Hab: Forests at low to high elevations; common (uncommon in Piedmont). Dist: S. ME west to OH, south to GA and n. AL. This species is generally restricted elevationally in North Carolina to medium elevations and lower, but in VA and northwards it reaches higher elevations, where it can be as common as B. alleghaniensis.

ID notes:Fall color is bright yellow.

Origin/Endemic status: Native

Taxonomy Comments: A diploid species (2n=2x=28).

Other Comments: B. lenta was once the primary source of methyl salicylate (wintergreen flavoring), used in medicines and confections; this is now produced synthetically.

Synonymy: = Va; = Betula lenta L. – F, FNA3, G, K1, K3, K4, Pa, RAB, S, S13, Tat, Tn, W, WV, Furlow (1990); < Betula lenta L. – C, NE, NY, Ashburner & McAllister (2016), Hardin (1971a)

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Wetland Indicator Status:

• Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain: FACU (name change)
• Eastern Mountains and Piedmont: FACU (taxonomic split from wetland indicator species)
• Midwest: FACU (taxonomic split from wetland indicator species)
• Northcentral & Northeast: FACU (taxonomic split from wetland indicator species)

Heliophily: 4