Betula lenta / Black Birch

A favorite of ours, the fine twigs and sweet inner bark of this tree make a delicious wintergreen tea with soothing properties. This fast growing tree thrives in forest gaps in well-drained soil. Its silver-purple bark is often graced with seafoam green lichen in maturity, which glows after rainstorms. Has permaculture applications as a dynamic accumulator of soil nutrients and both edible and medicinal properties. Larval host for the Green Comma butterfly.

(Large sized plant, $3 extra S/H)

Height: 40′ – 70′        Blooms: April – May

Habitat: Dry to mesic, sun to part shade