• broad, flat
  
• simple
  
• not lobed
  
• fine, double teeth
  
• small teeth between larger teeth
  
• base symmetrical
• base not wedge-shaped
• leaf long, oval
• narrows toward tip
• twice as long as wide

• cone or cone-like
• cone greater than 1 inch long
• wings on both sides of scales
• seed with wings
• smooth winged nutlets
• cone short, robust
• cone 2 times as long as wide
• scales smooth

The darkly colored bark on older trunks resembles the smooth but fissured bark of the Black Cherry tree. It grows on rich, moist soils. In Ohio it is limited to a narrow band of cool, moist ravines along the hilly western margin of the Allegheny Plateau. The hard, strong wood is used for furniture and hardwood flooring. Also, it makes very good firewood. Several mammals eat its bark and twigs, and a number of birds and mammals feed on its buds and seeds. In addition to this and the Yellow Birch there are several other birches in Ohio, including the attractive River Birch of streamside habitats.