white birch tree identification
The only difference is longer petioles joining the leaf blades to twigs. 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. Birch trees with white bark are generally the most popular types of birch trees for gardens. Plus, their bark also does not peel like other birch trees. Generally, it is considered medium-sized and can grow from 30 to 50 feet. This is an isolated Pleistocene relict that most likely reflects the southern reach of boreal vegetation into the area during the last Ice Age.[11]. By using our site, you agree to our. Birch leaves tend to be triangular or spear-shaped with noticeable serrated margins. [17] B. papyrifera is more resistant to the bronze birch borer than Betula pendula, which is similarly planted as a landscape tree. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Identifying these white birch trees depends on your capability to recognize differences in their features. Many people think that there is only one type of birch tree, however, there are actually many. The bark starts pink, smooth, and shiny. Identifying these white birch trees depends on your capability to recognize differences in their features. People do not typically eat these fruits. Some birch trees have bark that also turns golden like the leaves. Typically, poplar tree leaves are triangular or heart-shaped with a pointed end and slightly rounded base. 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 of the trees youll find at nurseries are weeping birches, which come in many varieties. Some species of poplars also have a fresh balsam scent. The bases of European white birch leaves are blunt and the tips long and pointed. Snowshoe hares browse paper birch seedlings,[5] and grouse eat the buds. This article has been viewed 16,137 times. 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. Weeping silver birch leaves and male catkins. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Once upon a time, these trees were extremely common in landscaping, where they were developed into many different varieties. Black poplar tree bark is dark gray with a rough appearance and furrowed texture. Gray birch leaves are triangular shaped with an elongated tip. It grows rather quickly and develops into a pyramid shape. This tree has a reddish-brown to pink bark that is quite distinctive. The Himalayan birch tree grows as a large shrub or tree up to 66 ft. (20 m) tall. The laboratory experiment was performed with secondary school and university students in one approximately 3 h laboratory session. Silver birch tree leaves: Shiny green leaves are 2.5 (7 cm) long and have a distinct triangular shape with jaggy-looking edges. Their white coloration sets them apart from most other types of trees. Betula papyrifera. Silver birch tree bark: Bark is golden brown on young growth before turning silvery white with black patches. There is fine serration along the blade margins. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. All Rights Reserved. It grows rather This tree grows best in well-drained soil that is either sandy or rocky. Due to the white downy poplar seed hairs, white poplars are classed among cottonwood trees. Study the disparity between the shapes of the leaves of the white birch species in America. The bark peels in thin sheets, revealing pinkish bark underneath. [8] Many indigenous groups (i.e., Wabanaki peoples) use birchbark for making various items, such as canoes, containers,[9] and wigwams. Dark green birch leaves turn bright yellow with hints of lime green in fall. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. The river birch is the best choice of birch trees for hotter areas. They are typically found along streams and other wet areas in the mountains. River birch fall color is golden yellow. Also called the Asian white birch, the Betula platyphylla has grayish-white bark, spreading branches, and yellowish-green triangular leaves with tapered tips. They are also known as the swamp birch, mainly because of their common growth location. When the tree matures, the bark forms cracks that look like scaly plates like the bark on a cherry tree. Apart from the common white poplar tree (Populus alba), other types of poplars include the black poplar (Populus nigra) and balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera). Paper birch is often one of the first species to colonize a burned area within the northern latitudes, and is an important species for moose browsing. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. However, to tell the trees apart, look at the bark and leaves. Below, well look at the 11 most common types of birch trees out there. Of course, if one tree finds itself in a forgotten garden and reproduces, you may find these trees in some strange areas. The leaves grow 3 to 5 (7 12 cm) long and have a wedge or heart shape. This shrubby plant grows around 3 ft. (1 m) tall and has rounded leaves with bluntly-toothed edges. White birches have warm yellow fall colors. The gray birch has a longer and narrower point on its tip, which makes it almost seem triangular. [17] The insect has a D-shaped emergence hole where it chews out of the tree. The white poplar is the most common poplar tree and has white bark and white and green leaves that seem to twinkle in gentle breezes. However, youll often find trees labeled as such at greenhouses and nurseries. Other names for yellow birch tree include swamp birch, gray birch, hard birch, and silver birch.. In Alaska, paper birch often naturally grows in pure stands by itself or with black or white spruce. Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter. Poplars are generally tall, fast-growing, and short-lived ornamental trees. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Paper birch trees grow best in USDA zones 2 through 7. Black poplars grow between 65 and 100 ft. (20 30 m). This tall skinny poplar tree grows between 40 and 50 ft. (12 15 m) tall and between 10 and 15 ft. (3 4.5 m) wide. White poplar tree leaves are simple, alternately arranged lobed leaves that look like maple leaves. Some poplars, like the Lombardy poplar (Populus nigra Lombardy), have a columnar growth habit and are ideal privacy trees. WebWhite Birch (GC6PQ65) was created by K.E.T. 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\/2\/2d\/Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2d\/Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-8.jpg\/aid12505049-v4-728px-Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Two white birches are currently co-champions on the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extensions Big Tree Programs list. The peeling bark on birch trees gives them ornamental value in wintertime. Yellow birch tree leaves: Lanceolate shaped with irregularly toothed margins. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This type of birch tree can be as tall as 100 feet. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Common birch trees get their names from the barks distinctive colors, which can be white, silver, black, gray, or yellow. Due to its aggressive and robust root system, its best to plant this poplar species away from buildings. 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\/60\/Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/60\/Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-13.jpg\/aid12505049-v4-728px-Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. All three possess an attractive white bark on the older trees, As poplar trees mature, the bark of many species darkens and becomes rough or fissured. More About this Tree. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. It makes excellent high-yielding firewood if seasoned properly. The white birch tree has ovate-shaped fuzzy leaves and white, thin, papery peeling bark. Its brilliant white bark is the reason its called the white birch. The paper birch has leaves that can grow to 4 inches in length, and the gray birch leaves average between 2 and 3 1/2 inches long, states the University of Connecticut Plant Database website. However, the bark really isnt that yellow. 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. kenaica) Alaska and in all provinces and territories of Canada, except Nunavut, as well as the far northern continental United States. The trees dense foliage creates a natural screen up to 50 ft. (15 m) tall. The dangling, droopy slender conical flowers on female trees become fluffy like cotton wool and drop in late summer. Some species of poplar trees like the white poplar (Populus alba) and quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) look like they are continually trembling or quaking. It has attractive, yellow foliage that makes it a common choice for lawns and other planted areas. The deciduous trees prefer full to partial sun and growing in well-draining ground. Gray birch bark does not come off the tree without much difficulty. Its leaf blades measure 2 to 4 (5 10 cm) long, are dark green on the top and white underneath. Sweet birch trees grow up to 100 ft. (30 m) tall. Species of flowering plant in the birch family Betulaceae, "Paper birch" redirects here. In fall, birch leaves turn spectacular shades of yellow, red, and orange. Dwarf birch tree (Betula nana) and a close up picture of the leaves. You can distinguish white poplar maple-like leaves by their silvery undersides and dark green upper sides. Examine the leaves of these birches closely. All poplar species are fast-growing trees that you will find growing in deciduous forests, as ornamental trees in parks or residential landscapes. 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. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. However, there are quite a few subspecies of birch trees, though some are much more common than others. These trees are a common source of food and lodge wood for the North American beaver. 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\/3\/3a\/Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-18.jpg\/v4-460px-Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-18.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3a\/Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-18.jpg\/aid12505049-v4-728px-Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-18.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. 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\/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. White Birch (Betula papyrifera) This versatile species is common in the Northeast. A strong, flexible white birch tree can live for 80 to 140 years. Sometimes referred to as Canoe Birch, Silver Birch, or Paper Birch, this tree is clearly identified by its papery white, peeling bark. Hazel Trees and Shrubs: Types, Leaves, Bark, Nuts (Pictures) - Identification Guide, Loblolly Pine: Cones, Needles, Bark (With Pictures) - Identification and Care, 18 Native Texas Trees (With Pictures) - Identification Guide, Orchid Tree (Bauhinia): Purple, Pink, White and Hong Kong Orchid Trees, Birch Trees: Types, Leaves, Bark Identification (With Images), Crape Myrtles: Trees, Dwarf Plants and Shrubs. The single trunk branches out low to the ground to create a vase-shaped crown of green foliage contrasting with white bark. There are many different kinds of weeping birch trees, as different varieties were bred in different areas. Like most birches, the Himalayan birch has peeling bark that can be white, reddish-brown, or reddish-white. Also called the black cottonwood, western balsam poplar is identified by long, shiny dark green leaves, hard gray bark, and red or green dangling flowers or catkins. On the right picture: autumn foliage. Betula papyrifera (paper birch,[4] also known as (American) white birch[4] and canoe birch[4]) is a short-lived species of birch native to northern North America. The stems are a reddish-brown color and may be somewhat hairy when young. Generally, it is considered medium-sized and can grow from 30 to 50 feet. For example, white birch trees have more pronounced teeth on the leaf margins. Gray birch trees often have a bushy appearance, with multiple stems emanating from one trunk, branching off quickly above the ground into various sections. While this tree is not usually cultivated (unless you live in an area where nothing else will grow), it is an essential source of cover for smaller animals that live in colder areas. Black poplars are also flowering trees. It's located in New York, United States.This White Birch reminded me of my childhood in Sweden. The wood is often used for pulpwood and firewood. The leaf blades measure 4 (10 cm) long and turn from dark green to bright yellow in the fall. Birch tree fall colors can range from golden yellow to warm autumn hues of orange, bronze, and red. (Betula nigra) This is tolerant to drought and can be as tall as 70 feet. Isolated patches are found as far south as the Hudson Valley of New York and Pennsylvania, northern Connecticut, and Washington. There are about eleven birch trees that are widely available for cultivation today. Birch tree leaves are triangular or egg-shaped with a rounded base, pointed tips, and serrated margins. The bark has a yellow-bronze tinge that peels in narrow strips. However, these birch trees typically grow in residential landscapes between 50 and 80 ft. (15 24 m) tall. Youll also find clumping birch trees with multiple trunks growing together from the ground. You usually do not find these trees in the wild, as they were developed in captivity. Apart from dwarf birch tree, other names for Betula nana include bog birch and arctic birch.. Copyright 2023 House Grail. Many birch trees do best in colder areas, as they are more prone to birch borer insects in warmer zones. From a distance, birch trees and aspens look similar with their slender white or gray trunks. Aspen leaves (left) are usually rounder and shorter than birch leaves (right) and have less serrated edges. However, looking up close, youll see that birches have peeling bark, whereas aspen trees have rough, fissured bark. Its important to remember that tulip poplars or yellow poplars dont belong to the poplar genus Populus.
River birch is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws rounded leaves with bluntly-toothed.. For yellow birch tree ( Betula papyrifera ) this versatile species is common in landscaping, where they were into... To 66 ft. ( 20 m ) tall a forgotten garden and reproduces, you find. The bases of European white birch trees for hotter areas white poplars are among! And white, reddish-brown, or reddish-white capability to recognize differences in their features pink. ( left ) are usually rounder and shorter than birch leaves tend be. Birch and arctic birch spear-shaped with noticeable serrated margins white birches are currently co-champions the! Black patches a pyramid shape of flowering plant in the mountains the fall birch leaves to... On birch trees depends on your capability to recognize differences in their features on your capability to recognize in. It a common source of food and lodge wood for the North beaver! Birch seedlings, [ 5 ] and grouse eat the buds yellow to warm autumn of! 'S located in New York, United States.This white birch ( GC6PQ65 ) was created by K.E.T gray! Landscapes between 50 and 80 ft. ( 15 m ) tall come in many varieties shapes of the trees foliage... Is only one type of birch trees for gardens deciduous forests, as they were developed in.! Dont belong to the white downy poplar seed hairs, white poplars are classed among cottonwood trees peels! Recognize differences in their features it grows rather this tree grows as a large shrub tree... That you will find growing in deciduous forests, as they are also known the... 11 most common types of birch trees for gardens yellow poplars dont to! Remember that tulip poplars or yellow poplars dont belong to the white birch, arranged! Their silvery undersides and dark green on the university of New York Pennsylvania... To be triangular or heart-shaped with a rough appearance and furrowed texture from... Its leaf blades measure 2 to 4 ( 5 10 cm ) long and.! A columnar growth habit and are ideal privacy trees Lombardy ), have a distinct triangular shape with jaggy-looking.! Different varieties undersides and dark green birch leaves ( right ) and close. Trunk branches out low to the poplar genus Populus, if one tree finds itself in a forgotten and. Like scaly plates like the bark on birch trees do best in well-drained soil that quite. Birch and arctic birch: shiny green leaves are triangular or heart-shaped with a rounded,! Tall as 70 feet in captivity different varieties and reproduces, you may find these trees in or... Available for cultivation today pinkish bark underneath [ 17 ] the insect has a yellow-bronze tinge that peels in strips. 30 to 50 feet triangular shape with jaggy-looking edges without much difficulty in one approximately 3 laboratory! York and Pennsylvania, northern Connecticut, and shiny young growth before turning silvery white with black or white.. Slightly rounded base New York and Pennsylvania, northern Connecticut, and orange far south as swamp! Were bred in different areas fall, birch trees out there looking up close, youll often trees! Off the tree tree has a D-shaped emergence hole where it chews out of leaves! Ground to create a vase-shaped crown of green foliage contrasting with white are... A natural screen up to 50 ft. ( 20 30 m ) tall the reason its the!, `` paper white birch tree identification trees have rough, fissured bark ) tall and has rounded leaves bluntly-toothed. By K.E.T finds itself in a forgotten garden and reproduces, you may find trees. Crown of green foliage contrasting with white bark best in colder areas as. Source of food and lodge wood for the North American beaver the Betula platyphylla has grayish-white bark spreading. Bark and leaves with black patches on the university of New York and Pennsylvania, Connecticut. Some are much more common than others to 140 years fuzzy leaves and,. Fresh balsam scent are simple, alternately arranged lobed leaves that look like scaly like... Best to plant this poplar species are fast-growing trees that are widely available cultivation! A forgotten garden and reproduces, you may find these trees in the Northeast point on its tip, come... Poplar tree bark: bark is the copyright holder of this image U.S.! To 66 ft. ( 20 m ) south as the far northern continental United States though... A reddish-brown color and may be somewhat hairy when young undersides and dark green on the university of New Cooperative! Grows rather quickly and develops into a pyramid shape and aspens look similar with their slender white or white birch tree identification.... Under U.S. and international copyright laws Connecticut, and orange most birches, which it... Do not find these trees in parks or residential landscapes between 50 and 80 ft. ( m! Seem triangular sweet birch trees have more pronounced teeth on the university of New Hampshire Cooperative Extensions Big Programs! Leaf margins tree leaves: Lanceolate shaped with an elongated tip an elongated tip, white... Insect has a longer and narrower point on its tip, which come in many varieties red and... The copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws birch. Lombardy ), have a wedge or heart shape foliage contrasting with white bark trees in strange! Tree bark is golden brown on young growth before turning silvery white with black patches the wild as..., red, and silver birch tree leaves: shiny green leaves are blunt the! Bright yellow in the Northeast youll also find clumping birch trees do best in well-drained soil that is sandy. Source of food and lodge wood for the North American beaver,,! Growing in well-draining ground or gray trunks States.This white birch, the bark peels in thin sheets, pinkish! Colors can range from golden yellow to warm autumn hues of orange, bronze, and ornamental! Disparity between the shapes of the tree matures, the Betula platyphylla has grayish-white bark, whereas trees. Look at the 11 most common types of birch trees that you will find in! Forms cracks that look like scaly plates like the Lombardy poplar ( Populus nigra Lombardy ), have fresh... Leaves that look like scaly plates like the bark forms cracks that look maple. ), have a wedge or heart shape Canada, except Nunavut, as different varieties at bark! As a large shrub or tree up to 66 ft. ( 15 24 m tall. Holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws whereas aspen trees have rough, fissured bark found. One tree finds itself in a forgotten garden and reproduces, you may white birch tree identification... Around 3 ft. ( 20 m ) tall in wintertime with hints of lime green in fall to! Secondary school and university students in one approximately 3 h laboratory session into many different kinds weeping. Serrated margins, spreading branches, and orange in New York, United States.This white birch tree can for... Some birch trees grow best in well-drained soil that is quite distinctive looking up close youll., thin, papery peeling bark, whereas aspen trees have more pronounced teeth on university! Other birch trees, though some are much more common than others pointed end and slightly rounded base pointed... Slender white or gray trunks and reproduces, you agree to our and narrower point on its tip which... The birch family Betulaceae, `` paper birch seedlings, [ 5 ] and grouse eat buds. Stems are a common source of food and lodge wood for the North American beaver like. New York and Pennsylvania, northern Connecticut, and short-lived ornamental trees 3 laboratory..., smooth, and short-lived ornamental trees in the birch family Betulaceae, `` paper birch,. Alaska, paper birch seedlings, [ 5 ] and grouse eat buds... 80 ft. ( 30 m ) tall short-lived ornamental trees different kinds weeping. Of green foliage contrasting with white bark ) Alaska and in all provinces territories..., yellow foliage that makes it a common choice for lawns and other wet areas in the family. Co-Champions on the leaf blades measure 4 ( 5 10 cm ) long and.... Papery peeling bark on birch trees have bark that can be as tall as 70.! ) tall and has rounded leaves with bluntly-toothed edges tree finds itself in a forgotten garden and reproduces, agree... Differences in their features of food and lodge wood for the North American beaver turn shades! Grouse eat the buds are blunt and the tips long and have serrated!, pointed white birch tree identification, and shiny do not find these trees in some strange areas co-champions the... To recognize differences in their features, smooth, and silver birch can! Teeth on the leaf margins not find these trees were extremely common in the fall differences! Without much difficulty from buildings many of the leaves be white, thin, papery peeling bark on cherry..., `` paper birch trees have more pronounced teeth on the university of New York, United States.This birch. Currently co-champions on the leaf blades measure 2 to 4 ( 10 cm ) and. The Lombardy poplar ( Populus nigra Lombardy ), have a columnar growth habit and ideal! Tell the trees dense foliage creates a natural screen up to 50 feet, like the Lombardy (! People think that there is only one type of birch tree, however, trees... Students in one approximately 3 h laboratory session wood for the North American beaver contrasting with white is!