Ginkgo Biloba vs Sweet Birch (Black Birch) - TreeTime.ca

Ginkgo Biloba vs Sweet Birch (Black Birch)

Ginkgo biloba

Betula lenta

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Ginkgo Biloba
Sweet Birch (Black Birch)

The Ginkgo Biloba is regarded as one of the most distinctive and beautiful of all the deciduous trees, and has remained genetically unchanged for millions of years. Its beautifully fan-shaped leaves develop a clear yellow colour in fall. Graceful and attractive year-round, Ginkgo is the perfect conversation starter in your yard.

Sweet Birch (Black Birch) is an attractive tree with a rounded shape native to eastern North America that would be a good addition to landscapes. It has a conical growth shape when young and as it ages the shape becomes more rounded. When the leaves, shoots, or bark are crushed they give off a sweet scent, which is what gives the Sweet Birch its name.

In early spring, the trees can be tapped and the sap used to produce syrup or fermented and made into birch beer. Pollinators and birds are attracted to the Sweet Birch as the pollen and seeds serve as a good food source. In the fall, the leaves turn golden yellow which will brighten your landscape.

The inner bark has a strong wintergreen scent and has been used to produce oil of wintergreen. Small twigs and bark of the tree can be boiled in water to make a tasty Sweet Birch tea.

Ginkgo Biloba Quick Facts

Sweet Birch (Black Birch) Quick Facts

Zone: 4a
Zone: 3a
Height: 18 m (60 ft)
Height: 15 m (50 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 11 m (35 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: any
Moisture: any
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: long
Suckering: none
Suckering: none

Toxicity: Uncooked nuts in large quantities

Foliage: unique fan-shaped green leaves
Fall colour: golden yellow
Fall colour: golden yellow
Nuts: Edible and tasty, cook before eating
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


Native to: ON
Other Names: gingko, maidenhair tree
Other Names: cherry birch, liliental, mahogany birch