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| Leaf; Photo: MNR |
Bark; Photo: MNR |
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| Seed; Photo: MNR |
Tree; Photo: Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service |
Although yellow birch does turn yellow in the fall, the tree gets its name from its bark, which is a golden yellow for much of its life.
The yellow birch grows across southern and central Ontario and into northern parts of the province. It is a medium-sized tree – the largest of the birches that are native to Ontario.
This birch has thin, shiny, reddish-brown bark when young, becoming dull yellow with age, and darkening to bronze-coloured when mature. It grows slowly and lives about 150 years.
Yellow birch trees have deep yellowish-green leaves, oval and usually between eight and 11 centimetres long. Its flowers are “catkins” – slim green and brown cylinders that are formed in late summer and stay on the tree all winter, shedding pollen in the spring.
Size: Up to 25 metres tall
Moisture: Prefers moist soil
Shade: Moderately shade-tolerant
Soil: Prefers rich soil
Planting Tip: Fertilize yellow birch trees only when they show signs of poor health, such as discoloured leaves or slowed growth. More tips...
