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Sweet Birch

Scientific Name: Betula lenta

Height: 50-70 ft

Spread: 40-50 ft

Bloom Time: April

Crown Density: Moderate

Native Range: East Coast North America, Pennsylvania

Ecological Value: Larval host plant for 413 species of caterpillars including tiger swallowtail and morning cloak butterflies. Seeds and flower buds feed birds, and small mammals.

Human Value: Can be tapped like a maple tree and the sap used to make syrup or fermented into beer, wine, or vinegar. The roots, leaves and branch tips can be steeped to make tea. Very young leaves can be eaten or used for flavoring. (EtW) The inner bark can be used as a flour substitute.

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Chokeberry, Red

Scientific Name: Aronia arbutifolia

Height: 6-8 ft

Spread: 3-4 ft

Bloom Time: April

Crown Density: Low

Native Range: East Coast North America, Pennsylvania

Ecological Value: Larval host. Nectar. Berries

Human Value: Chokeberry is tart when eaten raw. Do not eat the seeds because they contains cyanide.