Wood: The wood is similar to that of yellow birch (B. alleghaniensis) but second to it in economic importance. It is hard, medium-heavy and strong, but tends to warp and is difficult to season. The wood deepens in color upon exposure to air, becoming dark brown, tinged with red and sometimes passes for mahogany. It is an excellent firewood. Young trees and saplings were harvested by pioneers for extracting wintergreen oil, a compound now manufactured artificially. The sap can be tapped in late winter and fermented with corn to make beer.
Wildlife: Seeds are eaten by songbirds, and grouse feed on the catkins, buds and seeds. Moose, deer, porcupines and beavers feed on the twigs and young leaves.
Horticulture: Although the white-barked birches are often more popular in landscaping, the sweet birch is an attractive tree for planting in parks and naturalized areas.
