If you want to add shade to your yard, but don't want to wait the many years that it takes for an oak tree to reach maturity, consider the mighty river birch (Betula nigra). It's the type of deciduous ...

As the tree matures, the bark transforms into sizable ... complemented by yellowish to dark brown, somewhat hairy twigs that emit a mild and sweet birch aroma: noteworthy is the wintergreen taste ...