Origins: Rich woods and moist, well-drained to shallow soils

Uses: The bark of this plant contains small quantities of methyl salicylate and has a pleasant aromatic flavor similar to wintergreen. The bark has been used as an astringent, antiseptic, antipyretic, and antirheumatic. The sap may be made into vinegar. Birch beer is also made from this tree.

A guide to medicinal plants of Appalachia/ Krochmal, Arnold; Walter, Russel S.; Doughty, Richard M.: USA: U.S.D.A Forest Service:,1959