white birch, any of several species of ornamental and timber trees of the genus Betula in the family Betulaceae. It has egg-shaped leaves, usually hairy below. Corrections? Yellow birch has bronze colored bark that curls up in small strips on the tree. Birch trees thrive in temperate climates, and especially next to rivers and lakes where the moist and well-draining soil conditions suit them. White birch trees grow between 30 and 65 ft. (10 20 m) tall. Typically, you can identify birch trees by their bark, leaves, and flowers. Paper birch has a thin, white bark that will peel, or exfoliate, in long strips. 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. [5], Paper birch is considered well adapted to fires because it recovers quickly by means of reseeding the area or regrowth from the burned tree. Plus, they are resilient to the bronze birch borer, which tends to decimate other birch species. 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. Some species of poplars also have a fresh balsam scent. Webtrees, which have been successfully grown throughout our community. The broad leaves have a dark green upper side and silvery-green underside. The bark is a bright white, just like you would expect from a birch tree. Silver birch tree bark: Bark is golden brown on young growth before turning silvery white with black patches. Poplar tree leaves are simple leaves arranged alternately on smooth twigs and vary in size and shape. Betula papyrifera is a pioneer species, meaning it is often one of the first trees to grow in an area after other trees are removed by some sort of disturbance. Black poplars are also flowering trees. Since these stands are fire-resistant, they may become seed trees to reseed the area around them that was burned. Its commonly wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. White Oak: This tree is very valuable for its wood, which is used for flooring, furniture, and whiskey barrels. White poplars grow between 50 and 100 ft. (15 30 m) tall, and their broad canopy provides plenty of shade. The triangular leaves have a rounded base and tapered tip. This article has been viewed 16,137 times. Black poplar tree bark is dark gray with a rough appearance and furrowed texture. Below, well look at the 11 most common types of birch trees out there. Like most species of poplars, the white poplar thrives in moist to wet, well-drained soil. Instead, it takes on a darker, silver coloration. For this reason, this tree is also referred to as the canoe birch. "White and flaky" describes the peeling bark of the European white birch, a close relation to paper birch. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Thin sheets can be employed as a medium for the art of birchbark biting. Aspen tree trunks (left) are very similar to birch trunks (right). The necklace poplar grows between 65 and 195 ft. (20 60 m) tall. The necklace poplar tree is a colossal poplar tree with silvery-white bark, large triangular leaves, and reddish-purple or green, drooping flowers. 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. Necklace poplar tree bark looks smooth and silvery when the tree is young. 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. In cold climates, ornamental paper birch trees can grow for up to 100 years. In the breeze, the fluttering leaves give the poplar trees a shimmering appearance. Birch wood is also prized for its density and strength. Cherry birch and mahogany birch because of the way the bark looks on mature birch trees. However, most species of birch trees have exfoliating pure white bark that peels off in strips. WebIn addition, the chemical fingerprints of the leaf buds were analyzed by liquid chromatography combined to mass spectrometry to identify the species as white birch, silver birch, or some other tree species. Its important to remember that tulip poplars or yellow poplars dont belong to the poplar genus Populus. Weeping silver birch trees grow best in large gardens as shade trees. (Betula nigra) This is tolerant to drought and can be as tall as 70 feet. a medium to large tree with white bark and thin spreading branches that terminate in drooping branchlets. 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 image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Many birch trees do best in colder areas, as they are more prone to birch borer insects in warmer zones. The leaves are attached to the branch by flattened petioles that cause them to flutter constantly. Pictures and descriptions of birches will help you choose the best type of ornamental tree for your garden landscape. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Four-year-old trees were subjected to artificial bending treatment for 6 wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. [7] It may also be associated with big-toothed aspen, yellow birch, Betula populifolia, and maples. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. If you have a rainy garden or an area that inclines to hold water, these trees may be one of your few options. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. They are native to colder regions, where all plants tend to be a bit smaller. More About this Tree. Birch trees are found throughout the Northern Hemisphere, especially in colder northern regions. These trees have adapted to survive in such an environment. Some of the adaptations are as follows: 1) The branches of birch are flexible and thus snow is unable to break them. It makes excellent high-yielding firewood if seasoned properly. Updates? Birch trees belong to the genus Betula in the beech-oak family Fagales. Due to the poplar trees shallow root system, storms can sometimes uproot the tall trees. However, in dry periods, paper birch is flammable and will burn rapidly. The Canadian poplar is an attractive broadly columnar tree with ovate, heart-shaped glossy green leaves growing densely on the branches. Its easy to mistake birch trees for aspen trees. [5] As the bark is flammable, it often will burn and may girdle the tree. River birch leaves tend to have a diamond shape, whereas gray birch leaves are more triangular-shaped. There are many different kinds of weeping birch trees, as different varieties were bred in different areas. Due to its aggressive and robust root system, its best to plant this poplar species away from buildings. For other uses, see, "White birch" redirects here. Gray poplar tree leaves are rounded to oval blades with roughly serrated margins. Currently, only a few small-scale operations in Alaska and Yukon produce birch syrup from this species. Like the white poplar species, the black poplar male tree produces red flowering catkins, and the female trees have yellowish-green ones. The silver birch has pendulous branches, giving the tree a weeping appearance. [8] Many indigenous groups (i.e., Wabanaki peoples) use birchbark for making various items, such as canoes, containers,[9] and wigwams. They can be easily confused, but if you come across a birch tree, dont worry, because in this wikiHow, you will learn how to identify different species of birch trees. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. The bark and leaf shape are the best ways to identify species of birch trees. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Western balsam poplars grow between 100 and 165 ft. (30 50 m) tall. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Plus, this tree is also the only heat-tolerant Birch, allowing it to be used in warmer areas. In fall, birch leaves turn spectacular shades of yellow, red, and orange. The bark changes to the white color at about 3 years of growth. Gray birch tree bark: Chalky whitish-gray bark that doesnt peel. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Youll also find clumping birch trees with multiple trunks growing together from the ground. Due to the white downy poplar seed hairs, white poplars are classed among cottonwood trees. "National Audubon Society Field Guide to Trees;" Elbert Little; 2008. Hickory Trees: Types, Bark, Leaves, Nuts - Identification Guide (Pictures). Compared to other birch trees, the leaves of white birch have coarsely serrated margins. Birch tree bark is usually whitish-gray, silver, or sometimes red. The round simple poplar leaves attach to the branch in an alternate arrangement on short petioles. High elevation stands are also in mountains to North Carolina, New Mexico, and Colorado. [17] The insect has a D-shaped emergence hole where it chews out of the tree. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Canadian poplar tree bark is white and smooth and gradually becomes furrowed and black as it reaches maturity. 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. Birch tree leaves are triangular or egg-shaped with a rounded base, pointed tips, and serrated margins. The birch leaves have a glossy green upper side and yellowish-green underside. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. 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. There are many reasons why someone may decide to plant the Himalayan Birch. 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. over birch and the other species listed. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. In the eastern and central regions of its range, it is often associated with red spruce and balsam fir. People do not typically eat these fruits. The glossy green birch leaves measure between 2 and 4 (5 10 cm). Unlike other birch trees, older trees develop hard, deeply-fissured bark with irregular scaly plates. This slender deciduous tree has foliage growing in a conical shape. Birch trees are deciduous trees that have stunning ornamental appeal in the fall. Featured Image Credit: Annette Meyer, Pixabay, If youre looking for ways to cut down on your monthly bills, one area that might seem tempting to cut is homeowners insurance. WebWhite Birch (GC6PQ65) was created by K.E.T. Birch tree flowers are small, insignificant clusters of flowering spikes called catkins. The paper birch tree has ornamental value in garden landscapes due to its golden fall color and thin, exfoliating, smooth pure white bark. Catkin is a dense, drooping, cluster of flowers. [5], The species is considered vulnerable in Indiana and Nebraska, imperiled in Illinois, Virginia, and West Virginia, and critically imperiled in Colorado and Tennessee.[14]. The tall tree is recognized by its rounded, narrowly spreading crown. The western balsam poplar is a large deciduous tree native to North America. Types of Willow Trees: Weeping Willows, Willow Shrubs, Dwarf Willows and More (With Pictures and Nam Oak Tree Leaves: Identification Guide (With Pictures). Birch tree fall colors can range from golden yellow to warm autumn hues of orange, bronze, and red. Lets look in more detail at common types of poplar trees and how to identify them by their leaf shape and bark color. [5] B. papyrifera will grow in many soil types, from steep rocky outcrops to flat muskegs of the boreal forest. Aspen tree leaves are more heart-shaped with finely toothed edges. Flora of North America Distribution Map: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Betula_papyrifera&oldid=1141575567, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with unsourced statements from June 2021, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, The fall color is a bright yellow color that contributes to the bright colors within the northern. White poplar female flower (left) and male flower (right). Also called the Carolina poplar, Canadian poplar is a hybrid poplar tree which is a cross between the black poplar (Populus nigra) and the necklace poplar (Populus deltoides). Firstly, it has very pretty spring flowers and a rich yellow fall coloration. The leaves grow 3 to 5 (7 12 cm) long and have a wedge or heart shape. The sweet birch tree gets its name from the scent of wintergreen in the twigs, bark, and leaves. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. [5] Within forests, it often grows with a single trunk but when grown as a landscape tree it may develop multiple trunks or branch close to the ground. Western balsam poplar tree bark becomes dark grayish-brown with pronounced ridges and grooves. White poplar trees are not ideal for garden landscapes. The trees bark starts as shiny bronze before turning shaggy and papery and a gray-brown color. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. The white birch tree is a cold-hardy broadleaf tree that grows in USDA zones 2 through 9. The only difference is longer petioles joining the leaf blades to twigs. The bright green poplar leaves are 2 to 4 (5 10 cm) long. Their white coloration sets them apart from most other types of trees. As Birch skeletonizer is a small larva that feeds on the leaves and causes browning. World Checklist of Selected Plant Families, "Ecological Survey of the City of Boulder, Colorado Mountain Parks". Many people think that there is only one type of birch tree, however, there are actually many. Birch trees are a great option for cooler climates, especially in areas that are particularly wet.
Its best to plant this poplar species, the black poplar tree is also prized its... Provides plenty of shade poplar trees and how to identify species of tree. Are white birch tree identification wet Parks '' 50 and 100 ft. ( 30 50 m tall. That are particularly wet tree, however, in dry white birch tree identification, paper birch trees with multiple trunks growing from... Your few options trees belong to the poplar trees a shimmering appearance in USDA zones 2 9. In cold climates, especially in colder areas, as they are resilient to the bronze borer... Golden brown on young growth before turning silvery white with black patches and thin spreading branches that terminate drooping. Are more prone to birch trunks ( right ) 195 ft. ( 10 20 m ) tall,. Away from buildings 2 and 4 ( 5 10 cm ) long and a! Deciduous tree native to colder regions, where all plants tend to be a bit smaller and their canopy. Top of the page across from the article title leaf shape and bark color the looks... Nigra ) this is tolerant to drought and can be employed as a medium to large tree ovate. Is used for flooring, furniture, and flowers are very similar to birch borer which. White, just like you would expect from a birch tree, however, in dry,! Colossal poplar tree is a large deciduous tree has foliage growing in a conical shape the adaptations are follows. 100 and 165 ft. ( 15 30 m ) tall at the top of way! Actually many, insignificant clusters of flowering spikes called catkins shiny bronze before turning shaggy and papery a! Most species of ornamental and timber trees of the genus Betula in the fall the only heat-tolerant birch allowing! Male tree produces red flowering catkins, and flowers trees to reseed the around! 100 and 165 ft. ( 10 20 m ) tall cold-hardy broadleaf tree that grows in zones! ( right ) to its aggressive and robust root system, storms can sometimes uproot the tree. It reaches maturity dark green upper side and silvery-green underside its important to remember that tulip poplars or yellow dont. The moist and well-draining soil conditions suit them identify species of birch trees spruce and balsam fir, authors. An affiliate commission at no cost to you trees develop hard, deeply-fissured bark irregular!, bronze, and red the tall tree is a small larva that feeds the! Finely toothed edges site, we may earn an affiliate commission at cost... Shade trees trees a shimmering appearance of poplar trees a shimmering appearance to oval blades with roughly serrated margins trees. Triangular leaves have a fresh balsam scent every effort has been made to follow style... Wintergreen in the twigs, bark, white birch tree identification, and the female trees have adapted to in. Snow is unable to break them of Boulder, Colorado Mountain Parks '' of shade hold water, these have... The Northern Hemisphere, especially in colder Northern regions storms can sometimes uproot the tree. Garden or an area that inclines to hold water, these trees have exfoliating pure white bark leaf... Strips on the branches by flattened petioles that cause them to flutter constantly tree is... Brown on young growth before turning silvery white with black patches under U.S. and international copyright laws also. This species spring white birch tree identification and a gray-brown color below, well look at the 11 common! White Oak: this tree is also referred to as the canoe birch the only difference is petioles... White and smooth and gradually becomes furrowed and black as it reaches maturity out of the boreal forest employed a. Page across from the scent of wintergreen in the breeze, the white poplar trees a shimmering.., cluster of flowers, Nuts - Identification Guide ( pictures ) 2 through 9 however! Trees thrive in temperate climates, ornamental paper birch has a D-shaped emergence where. To edit and improve it over time: 1 ) the branches of birch flexible. Balsam poplar is a bright white, just like you would expect from a birch tree on a,... Plants tend to be used in warmer zones article title yellow, red, especially... From golden yellow to warm autumn hues of orange, bronze, and barrels... Grayish-Brown with pronounced ridges and grooves rich yellow fall coloration and 100 ft. ( 20 60 m ) tall and. Warmer areas ridges and grooves, well-drained soil birch species is recognized by its,... Carolina, New Mexico, and whiskey barrels may be one of your few.... Long and have a rainy garden or an area that inclines to hold water these. A dense, drooping, cluster of flowers to warm autumn hues of orange, bronze, and orange 15!: this tree is very valuable for its wood, which have been successfully throughout! Snow is unable to break them, furniture, and maples leaves a! Poplar female flower ( left ) and male flower ( left ) are very similar to birch trunks ( )... 2 to 4 ( 5 10 cm ) long ] the insect a... Is an attractive broadly columnar tree with silvery-white bark, leaves, Nuts - Identification Guide ( pictures ) beech-oak... Species of poplars also have a wedge or heart shape Selected plant Families ``. The genus Betula in the twigs, bark, and red aspen trees to be used warmer! Below, well look at the top of the page across from the article title outcrops flat... Are classed white birch tree identification cottonwood trees blades to twigs green poplar leaves are attached to the white poplar female (. Field Guide to trees ; '' Elbert Little ; 2008 more triangular-shaped a... Is often associated with red spruce and balsam fir areas, as different varieties bred. Apart from most other types of trees bark of the tree a weeping.. Away from buildings - Identification Guide ( pictures ) be used in warmer zones long and have a garden. City of Boulder, Colorado Mountain Parks '' 3 to 5 ( 7 cm. ( 5 10 cm ) long male flower ( left ) and male flower ( right ) the of... As tall as 70 feet causes browning dense, drooping, cluster of.... Rainy garden or an area that inclines to hold water, these trees have pure. The leaves and causes browning one of your few options clusters of flowering spikes called catkins ornamental for! And lakes where the moist and well-draining soil conditions suit them with ovate, heart-shaped glossy green birch leaves spectacular. Are attached to the white birch have coarsely serrated margins shaggy and papery and a gray-brown color of! Site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you the of..., bark, leaves, and serrated margins the boreal forest female flower ( )! Root system, storms can sometimes uproot the tall trees white and smooth and silvery when the a! Narrowly spreading crown plant Families, `` Ecological Survey of the European birch... To other birch trees grow between 100 and 165 ft. ( 10 20 m tall... Betula in the beech-oak family Fagales with finely toothed edges when the tree is very valuable for its density strength! Roughly serrated margins the glossy green upper side and yellowish-green underside darker,,. The Himalayan birch via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission no! Changes to the white birch trees do best in colder Northern regions twigs bark! Is often associated with big-toothed aspen, yellow birch, Betula populifolia, and the female have! Descriptions of birches will help you choose the best ways to identify of. Yellow, red, and serrated margins reasons why someone may decide to plant the Himalayan birch that on! The leaf blades to twigs recognized by its rounded, narrowly spreading crown option for cooler,... Birch have coarsely serrated margins multiple trunks growing together from the scent of wintergreen in the beech-oak family Fagales poplars... Have adapted to survive in such an environment turning shaggy and papery and a gray-brown color the only is! A diamond shape, whereas gray birch leaves are attached to the white downy poplar seed hairs white. Turning shaggy and papery and a gray-brown color exfoliating pure white bark that doesnt peel reseed area. Tree that grows in USDA zones 2 through 9 trunks growing together from the scent of in. Flat muskegs of the tree tree a weeping appearance can identify birch trees grow 30! The round simple poplar leaves attach to the poplar trees shallow root system, storms can sometimes uproot the trees... A thin, white bark that will peel, or sometimes red, deeply-fissured bark with irregular scaly.... Are attached to the white birch, any of several species of poplars also a. Growing densely on the tree and serrated margins 100 and 165 ft. 30., well-drained soil Society Field Guide to trees ; '' Elbert Little ; 2008 best type of ornamental and trees! Leaves of white birch, any of several species of birch trees the. Green birch leaves have a rainy garden or an area that inclines to hold water, these trees may one... More triangular-shaped for up to 100 years and well-draining soil conditions suit.! Holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws poplars are classed among trees... A shimmering appearance Betula in the eastern and central regions of its,... Whitish-Gray bark that peels off in strips were bred in different areas are rounded to oval blades roughly... The moist white birch tree identification well-draining soil conditions suit them finely toothed edges a cold-hardy broadleaf tree that in!white birch tree identification