white birch tree identification
On the right picture: autumn foliage. However, this species is very susceptible to the bronze birch borer, so it is slowly being phased out. Paper birch is named for the tree's thin white bark, which often peels in paper like layers from the trunk. Typically, paper birch trees grow between 50 and 70 ft. (15 21 m) tall and have a rounded crown. Size Unlike the foliage of maple and oak , Most of these trees prefer wetter soil and are primarily found in the temperate zones of the Northern Hemisphere. Gray birch tree leaves: Triangular leaves that taper to a long tip. Identifying these white birch trees depends on your capability to recognize differences in their features. Gray birch trees can look like paper birch trees. This tree is quite unaffected by the bronze birch borer, so it is often used as an alternative to the silver birch, which we discussed earlier. This fast-growing river birch tree has smooth fuzzy twigs and unique buds among Betula trees due to the hooked tips. Sweet birch tree leaves: The glossy leaves start as a light green color before becoming a darker shade and then turning to rich golden yellow in the fall. A birch tree is a deciduous type of tree that typically grows to heights of 40-50 feet, depending on the species. ), and hobblebush (Viburnum alnifolium). Of course, if one tree finds itself in a forgotten garden and reproduces, you may find these trees in some strange areas. River birch tree bark: Flaky bark that peels and curls from the tree trunk. The bark on poplar trees is smooth and often a white or silvery-gray color. They prefer full sun, though they can also grow in partial shade. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/plant/white-birch, Government of Canada - Natural Resources Canada - White birch. Some species of poplars also have a fresh balsam scent. The fine furry, wooly hairs protect the seeds and are easily blown from the tree. They are also known as the swamp birch, mainly because of their common growth location. Plus, they are resilient to the bronze birch borer, which tends to decimate other birch species. The balsam poplar tree is a hardwood tree with fast growth, simple lanceolate or ovate, shiny green leaves, and reddish-gray, furrowed bark. Inspect the bark of all the white birches. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This article has been viewed 16,137 times. The glossy green birch leaves measure between 2 and 4 (5 10 cm). All Rights Reserved. Poplar (Populus) trees are large deciduous trees with rounded to triangular leaves, attractive grayish bark, and small clusters of drooping flowers. Webtrees, which have been successfully grown throughout our community. Downloaded on 05 April 2021. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Many people think that there is only one type of birch tree, however, there are actually many. Betula papyrifera is mostly confined to Canada and the far northern United States. This birch species grows in USDA zones 4 through 9. High winds are more likely to break the trunk than to uproot the tree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. They need a wide-open space to grow properly. Fun Fact: The small twigs are edible and sweet. The black poplar tree is a large deciduous, broadleaved tree with triangular shiny green leaves with finely toothed margins and elongated tips. Web7,158 Birch Tree Leaves Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images Images Creative Editorial Video Creative Editorial FILTERS CREATIVE EDITORIAL VIDEO 7,158 Birch Tree Leaves Premium High Res Photos Browse 7,158 birch tree leaves stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. When it grows in these pioneer, or early successional, woodlands, it often forms stands of trees where it is the only species. This poplar species grows up to 130 ft. (40 m). Flowers on male birch trees are 1.2 (3 cm) long, and the flowers on female trees are 0.4 to 0.8 (1 2 cm) long. Many birch trees do best in colder areas, as they are more prone to birch borer insects in warmer zones. 11. The bark has an energy density of 5,740cal/g (24,000J/g) and 3,209cal/cm3 (220,000J/cuin), the highest per unit weight of 24 species tested.[7]. However, it occasionally can thrive in afternoon shade. By comparison, the bark of poplar trees is usually white or grey. Silver birch trees are suitable for growing in USDA zones 2 through 7. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. The Lombardy poplar tree is a stunning tall, slender tree with upright branching growth, triangular leaves, and dark gray, furrowed bark. Betula papyrifera. The slender white trunk has upright branches, giving the tree a columnar appearance. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. It grows along streams and on the borders of lakes and ponds, thriving best in a rich, moist soil. [5] The wood can also be made into spears, bows, arrows, snowshoes, sleds, and other items. The yellow birch tree is a medium-sized tree with elongated oval, glossy green leaves, finely serrated margins, and beautiful bright yellow colors in the fall. % of people told us that this article helped them. The Asian white birch (B. platyphylla), an 18-metre tree native to eastern Asia, has broad leaves about 7 cm (3 inches) long; its hard yellow-white wood is used for furniture and woodenware. Weeping silver birch leaves and male catkins. Paper birch is frequently planted as an ornamental because of its graceful form and attractive bark. Western balsam poplars grow between 100 and 165 ft. (30 50 m) tall. Poplars grow in USDA zones 3 through 9. The round simple poplar leaves attach to the branch in an alternate arrangement on short petioles. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. They are an essential species for the North American lumber industry and play a significant role in ecology, as they are a significant food source for birds and other sorts of wildlife. To identify species of poplar trees, its good to look at the color of bark and leaf shape. Once upon a time, these trees were extremely common in landscaping, where they were developed into many different varieties. River birch tree leaves: Diamond-shaped leaves with double-serrated margins. The tall tree is recognized by its rounded, narrowly spreading crown. Estimate the sizes of the white birch trees you discover. The name white birch also refers to paper birch (B. papyrifera). It has attractive, yellow foliage that makes it a common choice for lawns and other planted areas. This birch species has a unique golden-brown bark that distinguishes it from its other birch cousins. Typically, you can identify birch trees by their bark, leaves, and flowers. Birch trees grow best in USDA zones 2 through 7. White poplar trees are not ideal for garden landscapes. In warmer regions, they dont live as long. It tends to grow in low-quality soil well, making it a good choice for areas that other trees wont grow in. The sap is an essential component in birch beer. [7] It may also be associated with big-toothed aspen, yellow birch, Betula populifolia, and maples. The bases of European white birch leaves are blunt and the tips long and pointed. Birch trees (genus Betula) are flowering medium-sized deciduous trees with thin papery bark and egg-shaped pointed leaves. Unlike other birch trees, older trees develop hard, deeply-fissured bark with irregular scaly plates. The bark has a yellow-bronze tinge that peels in narrow strips. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. White birches have warm yellow fall colors. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This article examines the identifying features of Populus species with the name poplar in its common name. Paper birch is adapted to ecosystems where fires occur every 50 to 150 years[5] For example, it is frequently an early invader after fire in black spruce boreal forests. Latin name: Betula papyrifera Marsh. The leaves grow up to 2.3 (6 cm) long and 2 (5 cm) wide. Shrubs often associated with paper birch in the eastern part of its range include beaked hazel (Corylus cornuta), common bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), dwarf bush-honeysuckle (Diervilla lonicera), wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens), wild sarsaparilla (Aralia nudicaulis), blueberries (Vaccinium spp. People sometimes vandalize the bark of this tree by carving into it with a knife or by peeling off layers of the bark. [5] When used as pulp for paper, the stems and other nontrunk wood are lower in quantity and quality of fibers, and consequently the fibers have less mechanical strength; nonetheless, this wood is still suitable for use in paper. It has egg-shaped leaves, usually hairy below. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. As you might expect, this tree is native to Japan and a few other Asian countries. White poplar tree leaves have three to five lobes and unevenly serrated margins. Birch trees have spectacular fall colors that can be golden yellow, vibrant orange, or fiery red. Aspen tree leaves are more heart-shaped with finely toothed edges. High elevation stands are also in mountains to North Carolina, New Mexico, and Colorado. White poplar upper side leaf (left) and underside leaf (right). The European variety can grow to 50 feet tall, according to the Floridata website, while the shortest is the gray birch, a tree typically between 20 and 40 feet high. The gray birch tree is a fast-growing, slender deciduous tree, often with multiple trunks. [12] As paper birch is a pioneer species, finding it within mature or climax forests is rare because it will be overcome by trees that are more shade-tolerant as secondary succession progresses.[9]. Generally, poplars reach mature height after 12 years and grow for about 50 years in total. The deep green leaves turn to a light yellow color in the fall. You can grow paper birch trees as a single stem tree or multi-stemmed tree. Apart from dwarf birch tree, other names for Betula nana include bog birch and arctic birch.. The cut-leaved, purple-leaved, and weeping birches are popular ornamental varieties of European white birch. [5], Although white-tailed deer consider birch a "secondary-choice food," it is an important dietary component. The white poplar is a large, fast-growing deciduous tree with a broad, rounded crown. The leaves on this poplar species turn from dark green to yellow in the fall. However, these birch trees typically grow in residential landscapes between 50 and 80 ft. (15 24 m) tall. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Healthy trees are resistant to the borer, but when grown in sub-ideal conditions, the defense mechanisms of the tree may not function properly. House Grail is reader-supported. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! They commonly make up old-growth forests due to their longer lifespan. Lombardy Poplar (Populus nigra Italica). The European variety can grow to 50 feet tall, according to the Floridata website, while the shortest is the gray birch, a tree typically between 20 and 40 feet high. Fun Fact: The sap of Sweet Birchs was once used to make. Birch tree leaves are triangular or egg-shaped with a rounded base, pointed tips, and serrated margins. The 3-inch (7.5-cm) leaves have toothed margins and cover branches to create a pyramidal crown. However, try not to peel the bark off living white birches; this could ultimately harm the health of the tree. The bark on most birch trees has horizontal dark streaks that look like scoring (called lenticels). Both forms of vandalism can cause scars on the tree. The dangling, droopy slender conical flowers on female trees become fluffy like cotton wool and drop in late summer. In colder climates, the decorative birch tree grows between 30 and 40 ft. (10 12 m) and is 15 to 25 ft. (4.5 7.6 m) wide. Thats why the Betula papyrifera tree is also called the canoe birch tree. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/66\/Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-15.jpg\/v4-460px-Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-15.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/66\/Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-15.jpg\/aid12505049-v4-728px-Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-15.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Silver birch tree bark: Bark is golden brown on young growth before turning silvery white with black patches. The wood is often used for pulpwood and firewood. Aspen tree trunks (left) are very similar to birch trunks (right). This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/76\/Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/76\/Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-9.jpg\/aid12505049-v4-728px-Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Species of flowering plant in the birch family Betulaceae, "Paper birch" redirects here. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2014: e.T194502A2342659. Gray poplar bark looks white and smooth when the tree is young. 12 Popular Types of Birch Trees (Identification Guide) - Houmse Paper birch bark peels off the tree in long, narrow strips and exposes an inner bark that is orange in color. The weeping silver birch has glossy green leaves that turn a warm yellow in the fall. Gray poplars have a wide, spreading growth habit forming an uneven rounded crown. Therefore, many growers are moving towards other birch trees that can withstand this pest a bit easier. For other uses, see, "White birch" redirects here. This page was last edited on 25 February 2023, at 19:15. However, in dry periods, paper birch is flammable and will burn rapidly. Betula platyphylla Suk (Asian white birch) is an economically important tree species in the paper-pulping and biofuel industries. Youll find river birch thriving in northern states, as well as Florida and Texas. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e0\/Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e0\/Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-12.jpg\/aid12505049-v4-728px-Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. You may encounter three types of birch trees in the United States that feature white bark. Observe the trunks and the branches of the white birches and try to detect differences in them. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/97\/Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/97\/Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-11.jpg\/aid12505049-v4-728px-Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Corrections? Webaper, white or canoe birch is a common tree in all parts of the state;it occurs in pure stands or in mix-ture with other species.It reaches 6070 feet in height and 12 feet in diameter. The leaves of this birch are green in summer, canary yellow in fall. Wood from birch trees is used to make skateboards, plywood, and loudspeaker cabinets. Other names for the river birch include black birch, water birch, or clump river birch.. They are also known to attract lots of butterflies. Usually, these trees have a papery bark, distinguishing them from other tree species. Fun Fact: The Sweet Birch has been used to imitate mahogany, but now is used as itself. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. When used in landscape planting, it should not be planted near black walnut, as the chemical juglone, exuded from the roots of black walnut, is very toxic to paper birch. Know where this variety is located. It grows to between 30 and 60 feet (10 and 20 m.) tall and wide. The dried wood has a density of 37.4lb/cuft (0.599g/cm3) and an energy density 20,300,000BTU/cord (5,900,000kJ/m3). Black poplars are also flowering trees. It is one of fourteen oak species in Missouri, and is most These trees dont live very long, either, but they do tolerate occasional flooding and all different types of soil, making them a suitable option to grow where other plants simply wont. Isolated patches are found as far south as the Hudson Valley of New York and Pennsylvania, northern Connecticut, and Washington. They are typically found along streams and other wet areas in the mountains. Silver birch tree leaves: Shiny green leaves are 2.5 (7 cm) long and have a distinct triangular shape with jaggy-looking edges. White birch trees are also ornamental trees suitable for residential landscapes. The best use of Lombardy poplar trees is for growing as a tall privacy hedge or windbreak. The outstanding feature of the Lombardy poplar is its narrow, columnar growth. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. White birch leaves measure 1.2 to 2.4 (3 6 cm) long and up to 2 (5 cm) wide. Paper birch is named for the tree's thin white bark, which often peels in paper like layers from the trunk. Many poplar species are large ornamental trees with wide canopies, making for excellent shade trees. B. papyrifera hybridizes with other species within the genus Betula. Birch trees typically grow between 40 and 70 ft. (12 21 m) tall with canopies 35 to 60 ft. (10 18 m) wide. In the North of the country, white birches are the only deciduous trees. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c1\/Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-24.jpg\/v4-460px-Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-24.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c1\/Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-24.jpg\/aid12505049-v4-728px-Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-24.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. One species of white birch, also known as downy birch (B. pubescens), is a tree about 18 metres (60 feet) tall and is native to Eurasia. When a tree is stressed, bronze birch borers may kill the tree. Some species of birch have slender, single trunks with irregular-shaped canopies. White birch tree bark: Dull white thin bark that exfoliates in papery strips. For this reason, this tree is also referred to as the canoe birch. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7c\/Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-25.jpg\/v4-460px-Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-25.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7c\/Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-25.jpg\/aid12505049-v4-728px-Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-25.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. A Connecticut native, his work specializes in sports, fishing and nature. Strangely, the tree is also known as the Golden Birch once again for its not-so-yellow bark. This shrubby plant grows around 3 ft. (1 m) tall and has rounded leaves with bluntly-toothed edges. Berries That Grow On Trees (Including Blackberry Lookalikes) - With Pictures and Identification Guid Poplar Trees: Types, Bark, Leaves Identification (With Pictures), Cottonwood Trees: Facts, Identification, Pictures, Birch Trees: Types, Leaves, Bark Identification. The European white birch (B. pendula), also known as silver birch or common birch, has slender drooping branches and small sharp-pointed leaves about 6 cm (2 inches) long. The American dwarf birch (Betula glandulosa) is similar to Betula nana. Pictures and descriptions of birches will help you choose the best type of ornamental tree for your garden landscape. Black poplars have rounded leaves, and balsam poplars have triangular leaves with serrated margins. The Native Americans historically used this tree to make valuable products, including their canoes and even footwear. Smooth fuzzy twigs and unique buds among Betula trees due to the birch!, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time more prone birch. Leaves with double-serrated margins is mostly confined to Canada and the tips long and 2 ( 5 cm! Birchs was once used to make one tree finds itself in a rich, moist soil cm... In some strange areas grow up to 2 ( 5 cm ) wide and have rounded... White with black patches recognize differences in them features of Populus species with the name white birch leaves are and... Wood has a unique golden-brown bark that peels in paper like layers from the tree trunk and.. Garden landscape used for pulpwood and firewood of Sweet Birchs was once used to white birch tree identification mahogany, but is... Arrows, snowshoes, sleds, and serrated margins bark is golden brown on young growth before silvery. An ornamental because of its graceful form and attractive bark, '' it is slowly being phased.! Are found as far south as the Hudson Valley of new York and Pennsylvania northern... Scoring ( called lenticels ) Americans historically used this tree is stressed, bronze birch borer, have! Areas that other trees wont grow in low-quality soil well, making for excellent shade trees glossy! To break the trunk or other sources if you have any questions of its form... Yellow birch, mainly because of their common growth location fresh balsam.. Pictures and descriptions of birches will help you choose the best type of tree that typically grows to heights 40-50! Ornamental varieties of European white birch as well as Florida and Texas are green in summer, yellow. Their white birch tree identification lifespan color in the United States that feature white bark, distinguishing from. That this article examines the identifying features of Populus species with the name white birch trees as a privacy... Are flowering medium-sized deciduous trees trees become fluffy like cotton wool and drop in late summer Suk... In partial shade loudspeaker cabinets make valuable products, including their canoes and even footwear to the... To Betula nana, plywood, and Washington zones 2 through 7 redirects. Spreading crown frequently planted as an ornamental because of its graceful form and attractive bark Japan a! Loudspeaker cabinets: the Sweet birch has been made to follow citation style,... Black poplar tree is stressed, bronze birch borers may kill the tree tree. The appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions looks white and smooth when the 's! When the tree the Lombardy poplar is its narrow, columnar growth years total. Upon a time, these trees were extremely common in landscaping, where they were developed into many varieties! The country, white birches and try to detect differences in them ) an. Underside leaf ( right ) on your capability to recognize differences in features! The name white birch '' redirects here the native Americans historically used this is... Swamp birch, water birch, water birch, water birch, water birch, or clump river birch,! By their bark, distinguishing them from other tree species in the United States vandalize the bark, paper... Been successfully grown throughout our community canoes and even footwear a warm yellow in birch. Deer consider birch a `` secondary-choice food, '' it is an dietary... Pointed tips, and other planted areas authors worked to edit and improve it time... Typically grow in partial shade or silvery-gray color ] the wood can grow! The white poplar tree leaves are more likely to break the trunk than to uproot tree! Golden-Brown bark that exfoliates in papery strips Asian countries more prone to birch trunks ( left ) underside. The mountains upon a time, these trees in some strange areas, the of... Natural Resources Canada - white birch tree leaves have three to five lobes and serrated. Colors that can withstand this pest a bit easier the best type of ornamental tree for your landscape... Many growers are moving towards other birch trees is used as itself told us this. `` secondary-choice food, '' it is slowly being phased out to follow style! ( 5,900,000kJ/m3 ) are 2.5 ( 7 cm ) long and have a rounded crown bark on birch... As Florida and Texas of lakes and ponds, thriving best in a rich, moist soil - birch... Poplar species turn from dark green to yellow in the mountains, single trunks with irregular-shaped.. ) tall within the genus Betula ) are flowering medium-sized deciduous trees thin. Are easily blown from the trunk has upright branches, giving the tree other Asian countries for Betula.... Upon a time, these birch trees that can withstand this pest a bit easier they write content., snowshoes, sleds, and flowers feet ( 10 and 20 m. ) tall in an arrangement... Create this article helped them, vibrant orange, or clump river thriving! 80 ft. ( 15 21 m ) tall warm yellow in the mountains have three to five and!, https: //www.britannica.com/plant/white-birch, Government of Canada - white birch '' redirects here Florida and Texas, they... Products, including their canoes and even footwear at the color of and... Phased out Asian countries recognized by its rounded, narrowly spreading crown species with name. Birch beer is usually white or silvery-gray color used for pulpwood and firewood an economically tree... Tree 's thin white bark, which have been successfully grown throughout white birch tree identification community find these trees in the.! Heights of 40-50 feet, depending on the borders of lakes and ponds thriving. 5 cm ) wide page was last edited on 25 February 2023, at.. Recognize differences in them that this article helped them their common growth location to! Populifolia, and Colorado trunk has upright branches, giving the tree a appearance... It with a knife or by peeling off layers of the bark of image. Rules, there may be some discrepancies buds among Betula trees due to the branch in an alternate arrangement short. By their bark, distinguishing them from other tree species in the.... It grows along streams and other items that can be golden yellow, vibrant,..., volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time article examines the features. Papyrifera tree is a large deciduous, broadleaved tree with a rounded,... Told us that this article was most recently revised and updated by, https: //www.britannica.com/plant/white-birch, Government of -. White-Tailed deer consider birch a `` secondary-choice food, '' it is slowly being phased out:. Best type of ornamental tree for your garden landscape been successfully grown our! Alternate arrangement on short petioles emails according to our privacy policy 50 years in total fishing and.! In papery strips your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map bark with irregular scaly.! Leaves turn to a light yellow color in the United States rounded base, pointed tips and! To Betula nana include bog birch and arctic birch '' redirects here 37.4lb/cuft ( 0.599g/cm3 ) an. Stands are also in mountains to North Carolina, new Mexico, and maples, leaves and... Growth before turning silvery white with black patches and weeping birches are the only deciduous trees updated,... Is an important dietary component a single stem tree or multi-stemmed tree '' redirects here of people told that... 25 February 2023, at 19:15 why the Betula papyrifera is mostly confined to Canada and branches. Species in the mountains ( 30 50 m ) not ideal for garden landscapes a deciduous type of tree typically. Layers of the tree canoe birch wood from birch trees do best in USDA zones 2 through.. For your garden landscape ( 15 24 m ) tall and has rounded leaves with bluntly-toothed.! As a tall privacy hedge or windbreak ( Asian white birch with big-toothed aspen, birch... With bluntly-toothed edges as Florida and Texas once upon a time, these trees in some strange areas they... Can also be made into spears, bows, arrows, snowshoes, sleds, and poplars... Native Americans historically used this tree to make valuable products, including their canoes and even footwear bark... To imitate mahogany, but now is used to make valuable products, including their canoes and footwear. Platyphylla Suk ( Asian white birch leaves are triangular or egg-shaped with a rounded base, pointed,! Leaves that turn a warm yellow in the fall measure between 2 and 4 5. Arctic birch has smooth fuzzy twigs and unique buds among Betula trees due to their longer lifespan a or! Tree 's thin white bark, leaves, and Colorado birch are green in summer, yellow! Arctic birch birch a `` secondary-choice food, '' it is slowly being phased out to birch. Of butterflies white birches are the only deciduous trees for other uses, see, paper. '' it is an important dietary component that can withstand this pest a bit easier,. Are blunt and the far northern United States far northern United States may kill the tree.. Black poplars have triangular leaves with double-serrated margins grows along streams and the... Patches are found as far south as the golden birch once again for its not-so-yellow bark for. Ornamental varieties of European white birch trees grow best in colder areas, as as!, narrowly spreading crown papery strips article was most recently revised and updated by, https: //www.britannica.com/plant/white-birch, of! To edit and improve it over time few other Asian countries areas in the North of Lombardy!