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Yellow Birch

Betula alleghaniensis

CommonPlant
Illustration of Yellow Birch (Betula alleghaniensis)

Yellow Birch is the largest native birch species in North America, reaching 100 feet, with yellowish-bronze peeling bark that smells of wintergreen when scratched. It is a dominant tree of the northern hardwood forest and a valuable timber species. Yellow birch seeds are an important food for redpolls, siskins, and small mammals in winter.

Habitat
Northern hardwood and mixed forests on cool, moist slopes
Diet
Seeds eaten by redpolls, pine siskins, and ruffed grouse; browsed by moose
How common
Common

Best time to see a Yellow Birch

The best time to see a Yellow Birch is January–July, when about 66% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 21,946 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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