A medium-sized intermediately tolerant tree on moist, well-drained sites in the Appalachian region to central New England. Leaves are similar to B. alleghaniensis. Twigs are slender and smooth with a strong wintergreen taste. Buds are acuminate. Fruit is similar to B. alleghaniensis but oblong. Bark is nearly black; smooth with lenticels when young with irregular scaly patches on older trees. Bark also has a wintergreen taste.