Inorganic soil nitrogen is often heterogeneously distributed, both spatially and in form (ammonium versus nitrate). Here we present information on the architecture of black birch (Betula lenta L.) root systems exposed to homogeneous and heterogeneous nitrogen environments. The major effects on root architecture were at the whole root system level in response to heterogeneity of nitrogen form rather than the effect of local of local nitrate or ammonium supply on local root growth. In the heterogeneous treatment, plant root systems had greater link lengths and more simple branching patterns. Root architectural responses to heterogeneous nitrogen, independent of localized responses to patches, suggest that in a seedling of B. lenta whole plant integration of its environment may override local control of root growth.