Sweet Birch (Betula lenta)
Sweet Birch is native to forests all along the Eastern United States from Maine down to North Carolina. It likes full sun though it will certainly grow in some shade. When mature this tree can easily reach 40 – 50 feet in height. The bark of the sweet birch smells strongly of wintergreen. and historically the twigs were used for birch beer, a drink very similar in taste to root beer.
Dr. Thomas R. Nasser, III (Tom)
Born and raised in Fall River, Massachusetts, Tom taught high school chemistry and physics, and obtained his Ph.D. in textile chemistry from Clemson University, Clemson, SC. When he and his wife Shan Nasser moved to Fort Mill, SC, he became a volunteer orchid advisor to University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Clemson Orchids became Carolina Orchids. Children are Darrell Nasser, Donna Phillips, and Shana Salas. There are five grandchildren.
Tom Nasser was a major contributor to the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens who frequently provided rare and unique orchids for our collection as well as knowledge and camaraderie. He had a big personality and a kind heart and is sorely missed.
