Lesser-known and grown shade tree

When mature, the sweet birch has an open, rounded habit and can become 40' or 50' tall. Alhough it is not usually considered an ornamental tree, the sweet birch actually provides a lovely bloom just before leafing out in May. It has wonderful yellow color in the fall and handsome bark in the winter landscape--dark reddish-brown and glossy, like a cherry tree, with horizontal lines. The twigs are fragrant, and it is a source of oil of wintergreen. It is good in naturalized areas or as a shade tree.