Betula alleghaniensis
Yellow Birch
Yellow Birches can reach 250 years of age and are among the oldest individual trees in the Catskills forest. They are extremely adaptable, being capable of wrapping their thick roots up and around large rocks, old stumps and the steep edges of streams. Like its relative the Paper Birch, you’ll notice the Yellow Birch has peeling bark. However, the bark color is more of a golden yellow or bronze color and peels in thinner strips. The seeds of this tree provide an essential springtime food source for several birds including Pileated Woodpeckers and Ruffed Grouse. It also provides breeding habitat for Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and Mourning Warblers.