Form: Medium sized 50 - 60 ft. in height; 2 - 3 ft. in dbh.

Leaves:
             

Arrangement: alternate

Shape: oblong - ovate

Margin: doubly serrate

Texture: glabrous above, pubescent veins beneath

Venation: parallel

Bark: thin; reddish black; horizontal lenticels; dehiscent

Twigs and buds: twigs with wintergreen taste and odor

Flowers and fruit: Fruit is long ovid and glabrous. Contains 2 nutlets. Flowers are performed aments.

Distinguishing characteristics: Alternated leaves, bark is black in appearance, doubly serrated leave, twigs fragrant.

Range: Southern Quebec to Alabama west to southwest Kentucky.

Silvics: intermediate tolerance; deep, rich, well-drained uplands; coves.

Ecological and cultural importance: Sap used to make birch beer, occasionally harvested for pulpwood. Turkey and grouse eat seeds; catkins serve as an important source of soft mast for songbirds.