Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Maine Woodlands

Publisher

Maine Woodland Owners

Publication Date

Fall 9-2024

Issue Number

9

Volume Number

49

Abstract/ Summary

Yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis) is a signature species of Maine’s Acadian forest and the Provincial tree of Quebec, naturally growing in mixture with red spruce and balsam fir on mesic lower-elevation sites. Historically, it comprised 10-15% of presettlement old-growth forests and currently maintains a merchantable density similar to sugar maple in the beech-birch-maple forest type, representing about 11% of total tree density. Economically, yellow birch is one of Maine's most valuable hardwoods, historically used for interior trim and flooring, and notably for "mosquito bombers" during World War II. It remains a staple species in North America's hardwood veneer industry, with high market prices for quality logs.

The species' abundance is limited by its specialized regeneration ecology; its small, wind-dispersed seeds require specific microsites with dependable moisture and partial sunlight, such as bare mineral soil or rotten wood, often found in large tree-fall gaps. This can lead to "stilt rooting" as original substrates decay. Silviculturally, yellow birch is considered "high-maintenance" due to low seed viability, shallow roots, and susceptibility to deer browse. While mechanical scarification has been attempted to improve regeneration, results are mixed, sometimes promoting competing vegetation and destroying advance growth of maple. The species is also prone to epicormic branching and has experienced mysterious dieback events.

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