Where does Cherry Birch naturally grow?

Cherry Birch is native to the eastern United States, ranging from Maine south to Georgia and west to Ohio and Kentucky. It grows naturally in mountainous and hilly regions.

When does Cherry Birch bloom?

Cherry Birch produces its flowers in April and May, typically blooming before the leaves fully emerge in spring.

What pollinators visit Cherry Birch?

Cherry Birch attracts bees and beetles to its spring flowers. The tree is wind-pollinated but these insects also visit the blooms.

What growing conditions does Cherry Birch prefer?

Cherry Birch adapts to various light conditions from full sun to partial shade and tolerates different moisture levels. It thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soils.

Is Cherry Birch toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Cherry Birch as toxic to livestock.

Is Cherry Birch HOA-friendly?

Cherry Birch is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Cherry Birch

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Betula lenta

Last reviewed: September 2026

Cherry Birch is a deciduous tree native to eastern North America from Maine to Georgia. It blooms in April and May, attracting bees and beetles with its small flowers.

Toxicity unknown

Cherry Birch (Betula lenta) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Cherry Birch as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

300"–750" H × 240"–480" W

Bloom

Apr, May

Native to

AL, CT, GA, KY and 16 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Piedmont Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Erie Drift Plain Northern Forests Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Eastern Temperate Forests Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Cherry birch is a medium to large native tree with smooth, dark bark that resembles cherry trees and aromatic twigs that smell like wintergreen when crushed. It develops a rounded crown and provides excellent fall color, making it an attractive shade tree for residential landscapes.

Growing Cherry Birch

Grow Cherry Birch in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 300 to 750 inches tall and spread 240 to 480 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Cherry Birch is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, mid zone, street edge.

Large mature size requires adequate space
Seasonal leaf drop in fall

Wildlife value

Host plant for luna moth, polyphemus moth.

The spring catkins attract bees and beetles for pollination. The seeds feed birds and small mammals, while the tree supports various native moth and butterfly caterpillars.

Common questions

Where does Cherry Birch naturally grow?: Cherry Birch is native to the eastern United States, ranging from Maine south to Georgia and west to Ohio and Kentucky. It grows naturally in mountainous and hilly regions.
When does Cherry Birch bloom?: Cherry Birch produces its flowers in April and May, typically blooming before the leaves fully emerge in spring.
What pollinators visit Cherry Birch?: Cherry Birch attracts bees and beetles to its spring flowers. The tree is wind-pollinated but these insects also visit the blooms.
What growing conditions does Cherry Birch prefer?: Cherry Birch adapts to various light conditions from full sun to partial shade and tolerates different moisture levels. It thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soils.
Is Cherry Birch toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Cherry Birch as toxic to livestock.
Is Cherry Birch HOA-friendly?: Cherry Birch is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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