Description
Notes
Betula alleghaniensis, the yellow birch, golden birch, or swamp birch, is a large tree and an important lumber species of birch native to northeastern North America. The Yellow Birch is one of the most valuable northern hardwoods in Adirondack forests. The wood is heavy, strong, close- grained, and even-textured.
Uses
This tree is used for furniture, flooring, cabinetry, charcoal, pulp, interior finish, veneer, tool handles, boxes, wooden-ware, and interior doors.
Wildlife Value
The Yellow Birch provides food and breeding habitat for a number of birds.
History & Lore
Betula alleghaniensis has been used by native American tribes as a treatment for a variety of ailments. For instance, a decoction of the bark is said to have been used as a blood purifier. The Delaware reportedly used a decoction of the bark as a cathartic. The Iroquois reportedly used a decoction as a treatment for skin ailments.
