Sugar Birch

Betula lenta · Betulaceae (Birch family)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Sugar Birch

Leaf Morphology

Leaf Type

Simple deciduous

Shape

Ovate with 0 lobes

Margin

Serrate

Arrangement

Alternate with a short, pubescent petiole

Venation

Pinnate with prominent, straight parallel lateral veins

Key Features

Ovate blade shape, finely serrate margin, and cordate to rounded asymmetrical base

Description

Medium-sized deciduous tree reaching 20 to 25 meters with dark, smooth, reddish-brown bark resembling cherry. Produces cylindrical catkins in spring and displays bright yellow autumn foliage

Habitat

Mesic hardwood forests on deep, moist, well-drained acidic soils in full sun to partial shade

Native Range

Native to eastern North America from southern Canada down through the Appalachian Mountains

Identified on 10/14/2026