Yellow Birch (Betula alleghaniensis)

This tree can be found along the Cob's way path in the Kanokolus bog preserve in Unity, ME. Yellow birch, or Betula alleghaniensis can grow up to 70-85 feet in height and 3 feet in diameter. It is the largest birch native to Maine. Bark is a shiny silver-grey and is arranged horizontally in thin layers. Leaves are 3-4.5 inches long and are alternately arranged. Flowers are in catkins and open in the early spring. I chose to include this tree due to its unique bark. It also stood out from the surrounding trees that included many fir and pine species.