Yellow birch

Recognizing yellow birch

Yellow birch is recognized by:

• Its shiny golden trunk which flakes and peels in fine curly strips.
• Its oval leaves with a pointed tip.

Sites favored by Yellow birch

Temperatures

Average annual temperature (°C): 2.5-5.0°. Prefers a cool climate and does not bear intense heat.

However, it rather enjoys the shade and some dryness once well established 

Rainfall

Total rainfall (mm): 900-1,400 

Soils

Rich, cool, damp and slightly alkaline

Root development of yellow birch

• Despite its very shallow rooting, transplantation is difficult.

Productivity of yellow birch

• Seedlings reach an average 70 cm after three years, but some can reach 1.5 meters.
• The stems can reach 5-7 meters high by ten years of age, and their annual height growth varies from 70 cm to 1 meter.
• At the age of 50, the commercial volume stands at 140 m3 per hectare for an average diameter of 24 cm; however, volumes of 280 m3/hectare have been recorded at this age in some natural stands with almost 600 stems/hectare and an average diameter of 32 cm.

Growth and production of Yellow birch

• Rapid growth
• Trees can live for 200-300 years.

Yellow birch wood

The yellow birch, also known as merisier in Canada, is one of the most sought-after deciduous trees for lumber. Its hard, close-grained wood is particularly shock-resistant. It is easily worked. It is used in cabinetwork and to make paneling, doors and flooring.

It is a raw material for the veneer and plywood sector. Yellow birch is also used to make coffins and farm implements. Like maple, this species is also highly valued for firewood. Its leaves and twigs can also be brewed to make tea.

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