Betulaceae -- Birch family

    G. G. Erdmann

    Yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis) is  the most valuable of the native birches. It is easily  recognized by the yellowish-bronze exfoliating bark for which it  is named. The inner bark is aromatic and has a flavor of  wintergreen. Other names are gray birch, silver birch, and swamp  birch. This slow-growing long-lived tree is found with other  hardwoods and conifers on moist well-drained soils of the uplands  and mountain ravines. It is an important source of hardwood  lumber and a good browse plant for deer and moose. Other wildlife  feed on the buds and seeds.