Betula lenta

To truly appreciate some trees, one must pause and look up at their canopy. Beneath the canopy of this lesser-known tree, you’ll notice its green leaves with a gentle yellow underside, swaying gracefully in the breeze. The calming scent of minty wintergreen from the bark and shoots offer a sense of ambiance. In the past, oil of wintergreen was distilled from the wood.

One of its standout features is its rich golden autumn foliage. One year in our fields, rows of semi-mature Liquidambars stood behind a field of multi-stem Betula lenta. The contrast of the deep autumnal hue of the lenta against the vibrant neon of the Liquidambar was mesmerising, especially in the golden hues of the settling sun.

The longevity of the lenta is impressive. Most thrive for an average of 300 years. The most ancient lenta on record has surpassed a staggering 360 years. As it ages gracefully, its bark sheds in plates, revealing a deep, black, cherry like appearance.

Lenta finds its niche in parks and urban settings, especially in areas abundant with deer. Interestingly deer tend to avoid the young tree, making it an effective barrier to protect other susceptible trees from browsing deer.