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
Syn: = Va; = Betula lenta L. – F, FNA3, G, K1, K3, K4, Pa, RAB, S, Tn, W, WV, Furlow (1990); < Betula lenta L. – C, NE, NY, Ashburner & McAllister (2016), Hardin (1971a)
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© J.W. Hardin | Original Image ⭷