white birch tree identification

Balsam poplar tree leaves are narrow, ovately shaped with a protruding tip and finely-serrated margins. 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.. Poplars are also perfect for tall privacy hedges to create a windbreak. Common species of birch include the white birch, silver birch, and paper birch. Most birch species are also suitable for wetter areas. The bases of European white birch leaves are blunt and the tips long and pointed. White birch tree bark: Dull white thin bark that exfoliates in papery strips. Identifying these white birch trees depends on your capability to recognize differences in their features. WebWhite Birch (GC6PQ65) was created by K.E.T. Downloaded on 05 April 2021. Generally, poplars reach mature height after 12 years and grow for about 50 years in total. Birch bark is a winter staple food for moose. However, this species is very susceptible to the bronze birch borer, so it is slowly being phased out. By comparison, the bark of poplar trees is usually white or grey. Fall color is an undistinguished yellow. They typically grow up to 40 feet as a tree, though they exist in shrub form as well, which only grows up to 25 feet. They need a wide-open space to grow properly. Isolated patches are found as far south as the Hudson Valley of New York and Pennsylvania, northern Connecticut, and Washington. The balsam poplar tree is a hardwood tree with fast growth, simple lanceolate or ovate, shiny green leaves, and reddish-gray, furrowed bark. The raw sap contains 0.9% carbohydrates (glucose, fructose, sucrose)[7] as compared to 2 percent to 3 percent within sugar maple sap. The bark has a yellow-bronze tinge that peels in narrow strips. Plus, it also plays a vital role for other bird and woodland species. As its name suggests, the bark of Betula pendula is silvery-white and has contrasting horizontal black stripes. 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. Dwarf birch tree (Betula nana) and a close up picture of the leaves. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Western balsam poplars grow between 100 and 165 ft. (30 50 m) tall. 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. 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 poplar is a large, fast-growing deciduous tree with a broad, rounded crown. Panels of bark can be fitted or sewn together to make cartons and boxes. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. The leaves are attached to the branch by flattened petioles that cause them to flutter constantly. It can grow to as little as six inches, making it one of the smaller trees on this list. The best way to identify a white birch is by studying its leaf, which is ovate (oval), with a sharply serrated edge. Yellow birch has bronze colored bark that curls up in small strips on the tree. Inspect the bark of all the white birches. The arching canopy, oval shape, and slender silvery trunk look stunning as a landscape tree. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Lets look in more detail at the common types of birch trees growing in forests and residential parks and gardens. Birch wood is also prized for its density and strength. Plus, this tree is also the only heat-tolerant Birch, allowing it to be used in warmer areas. The wood is often used for pulpwood and firewood. The silver birch has pendulous branches, giving the tree a weeping appearance. Brush Cutter vs String Trimmer: Whats the Difference? It is a medium-sized deciduous tree typically reaching 20 metres (66 feet) tall,[3] and exceptionally to 40m (130ft) with a trunk up to 75 centimetres (30 inches) in diameter. The trees dense foliage creates a natural screen up to 50 ft. (15 m) tall. 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. 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. Their unique bark and beautiful leaves often cause them to be utilized in landscaping. Learn more. People sometimes vandalize the bark of this tree by carving into it with a knife or by peeling off layers of the bark. They are also known as the swamp birch, mainly because of their common growth location. Gray poplar bark looks white and smooth when the tree is young. Examine the leaves of these birches closely. [13] The seeds of paper birch are an important part of the diet of many birds and small mammals, including chickadees, redpolls, voles, and ruffed grouse. For this reason, this tree is also referred to as the canoe birch. House Grail is reader-supported. 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. Over the years, he has developed a keen interest in a wide variety of DIY projects around the home. They vary from many colors including green, brown, and yellow among others. It typically does not survive this pest, requiring removal to prevent other trees from being infected. 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. It is a larger birch tree that can grow up to 50 feet tall. Balsam tree leaves have a fresh, aromatic scent of balsam. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bd\/Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bd\/Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-1.jpg\/aid12505049-v4-728px-Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Corrections? The roots are generally shallow and occupy the upper 60cm (24in) of the soil and do not form taproots. Description. There are many different kinds of weeping birch trees, as different varieties were bred in different areas. The weeping cherry tree, Japanese white birch, gum trees, Himalayan birch, Paper Bark birch and Aspen are all trees that have white bark. Study the disparity between the shapes of the leaves of the white birch species in America. The first generation appears in May but there will be several generations per year. Currently, only a few small-scale operations in Alaska and Yukon produce birch syrup from this species. The leaves of this birch are green in summer, canary yellow in fall. [5] After approximately 75 years, the birch will start dying and by 125 years, most paper birch will have disappeared unless another fire burns the area. 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. The white birch tree is a cold-hardy broadleaf tree that grows in USDA zones 2 through 9. Unlike many other types of poplars, the necklace poplar lives a long time. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2014-3.RLTS.T194502A2342659.en. The river birch tree is a type of clumping birch tree with reddish-brown exfoliating bark, glossy green diamond-shaped leaves, and a pyramidal crown. Leaves ), and hobblebush (Viburnum alnifolium). Some species of poplar trees have serrated or toothed margins, whereas others have lobed leaves that resemble maple tree leaves. Native poplar trees are easy to grow and have a relatively short lifespan. Healthy trees are resistant to the borer, but when grown in sub-ideal conditions, the defense mechanisms of the tree may not function properly. If you have a rainy garden or an area that inclines to hold water, these trees may be one of your few options. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. As the name suggests, this tree has a white bark that peels prolifically in long sheets, similar to a piece of paper. Glossy green birch leaves grow between 2 and 3 (5 7.5 cm) long. Fifteen-gallon trees are six to eight However, youll often find trees labeled as such at greenhouses and nurseries. To investigate the mechanism of wood formation at the metabolic level, we evaluated metabolic responses associated with tension-wood formation. Some species of birch have slender, single trunks with irregular-shaped canopies. However, looking up close, youll see that birches have peeling bark, whereas aspen trees have rough, fissured bark. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. This tree grows best in well-drained soil that is either sandy or rocky. Weeping silver birch trees grow best in large gardens as shade trees. Black poplars grow between 65 and 100 ft. (20 30 m). 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. This article is a guide to identifying common poplar trees. This page was last edited on 25 February 2023, at 19:15. Fun Fact: The Sweet Birch has been used to imitate mahogany, but now is used as itself. Poplars have a shallow root system that can become invasive. 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. River birch tree leaves: Diamond-shaped leaves with double-serrated margins. The tree thrives in full sun and moist, damp ground. Lets look in more detail at common types of poplar trees and how to identify them by their leaf shape and bark color. There are between 30 and 60 birch (Betula) species, with 18 being native to North America. Betula glandulosa leaves have longer petioles, Himalayan birch tree (Betula utilis) and leaves. The bark is a bright white, just like you would expect from a birch tree. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. It's located in New York, United States.This White Birch reminded me of my childhood in Sweden. The glossy green birch leaves measure between 2 and 4 (5 10 cm). 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. The bark starts pink, smooth, and shiny. WebTree Size: Medium Leaf Type: Deciduous Comments: Requires pruning to develop one or more main trunks. Also, birch leaves have a V shape and are elongated rather than like the flat leaves of aspens. Birch trees are a great option for cooler climates, especially in areas that are particularly wet. Also, the poplars shallow roots and aggressive nature make it unsuitable as an ornamental landscape tree. This poplar is identified by thin horizontal lines around the trunk and diamond-shaped marks. Fun Fact: The sap of Sweet Birchs was once used to make. The round simple poplar leaves attach to the branch in an alternate arrangement on short petioles. Betula papyrifera (paper birch, also known as (American) white birch and canoe birch ) is a short-lived species of birch native to northern North America. The peeling bark on birch trees gives them ornamental value in wintertime. 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. Aspen tree leaves are more heart-shaped with finely toothed edges. Paper birch is named for the tree's thin white bark, which often peels in paper like layers from the trunk. This article has been viewed 16,137 times. Also, look for unevenly serrated margins. [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. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. The dangling, droopy slender conical flowers on female trees become fluffy like cotton wool and drop in late summer. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2014: e.T194502A2342659. 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 poplar is identified by thin horizontal lines around the trunk and diamond-shaped marks. Also called the Asian white birch, the Betula platyphylla has grayish-white bark, spreading branches, and yellowish-green triangular leaves with tapered tips. Strangely, this tree is also called bog birch, though it is a different species from the bog birch we discussed previously. 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. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. This tree prefers to be in full sun. These fast-growing trees are good choices for planting in wet, moist ground where there is plenty of space. 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. Leaves are egg-shaped with irregularly toothed margins. Latin name: Betula papyrifera Marsh. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Gray birch trees often have a bushy appearance, with multiple stems emanating from one trunk, branching off quickly above the ground into various sections. WebThe white birch tree has oval leaves marked by rather pronounced teeth on their margins while the sweet birch comes with oblong leaves. Some birch trees have bark that also turns golden like the leaves. When the tree matures, the bark forms cracks that look like scaly plates like the bark on a cherry tree. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. The leaves grow 3 to 5 (7 12 cm) long and have a wedge or heart shape. Pendulous flowers emerge in spring before the leaves appear. All of these trees have the 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. It can reach anywhere from 40 to 70 feet when fully grown and reaches this height relatively early. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Some species of poplar trees like the white poplar (Populus alba) and quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) look like they are continually trembling or quaking. Once upon a time, these trees were extremely common in landscaping, where they were developed into many different varieties. The sap flows later in the season than maples. River birch fall color is golden yellow. The canopy often has a high moisture content and the understory is often lush green. However, it occasionally can thrive in afternoon shade. (Betula nigra) This is tolerant to drought and can be as tall as 70 feet. They can be found in cool temperate areas but are also somewhat common in tundra areas. Silver birch tree leaves: Shiny green leaves are 2.5 (7 cm) long and have a distinct triangular shape with jaggy-looking edges. Thats why the Betula papyrifera tree is also called the canoe birch tree. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They prefer full sun, though they can also grow in partial shade. Look for double-toothed margins and shiny upper leaves to identify gray birch trees. Common birch trees get their names from the barks distinctive colors, which can be white, silver, black, gray, or yellow. WebWhite 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. They can grow in soils that other trees cannot. The Himalayan birch tree grows as a large shrub or tree up to 66 ft. (20 m) tall. 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. Silver birch trees are suitable for growing in USDA zones 2 through 7. humilus) and south-central (var. wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Some species of poplars also have a fresh balsam scent. The ovate leaves have a glossy green upper side and a pale underside. However, most species of birch trees have exfoliating pure white bark that peels off in strips. Also called the white birch tree, the paper birch gets its name from its thin, white papery bark. River Birch Tree. The lower branches tend to droop down, giving the lower part of the tree a slightly weeping appearance. ), raspberries and blackberries (Rubus spp. The bark on most birch trees has horizontal dark streaks that look like scoring (called lenticels). The scientific name for gray birch treesBetula populifoliacomes from the leaves that look like leaves on poplar trees. Gray birch leaves are triangular shaped with an elongated tip. Leaves are light green and turn red in the fall. When it grows in these pioneer, or early successional, woodlands, it often forms stands of trees where it is the only species. Many birch trees do best in colder areas, as they are more prone to birch borer insects in warmer zones. 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. It is the provincial tree of Saskatchewan and the state tree of New Hampshire.[18][19]. For example, black birch due to its dark bark color. In the fall, they have a lovely yellow coloration, which is why they are commonly planted. White poplar female flower (left) and male flower (right). Some poplars, like the Lombardy poplar (Populus nigra Lombardy), have a columnar growth habit and are ideal privacy trees. [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]. This hybrid poplar species grows between 40 and 70 ft. (12 21 m). This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. For other uses, see, "White birch" redirects here. Gray poplars have a wide, spreading growth habit forming an uneven rounded crown. Poplars are generally tall, fast-growing, and short-lived ornamental trees. Pictures and descriptions of birches will help you choose the best type of ornamental tree for your garden landscape. Another consideration before planting white poplars is that the wood is relatively weak. In cold climates, ornamental paper birch trees can grow for up to 100 years. Balsam poplars grow between 80 and 130 ft. (25 40 m) tall. Gray birch tree bark: Chalky whitish-gray bark that doesnt peel. The other common names of Betula lenta refer to other features of the tree. 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). All Rights Reserved. Typically, you can identify birch trees by their bark, leaves, and flowers. As How do you propagate white birch trees? Remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem -- the leaves on the top of the stem will provide the plant with the required energy to produce roots through photosynthesis. Dip the cut end of the stem in a cup of water and then roll the wet portion in rooting hormone powder. They can grow with either a single, long trunk or a small clump of many different trunks. In the eastern and central regions of its range, it is often associated with red spruce and balsam fir. 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 Unlike other birch trees, older trees develop hard, deeply-fissured bark with irregular scaly plates. 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. Its easy to mistake birch trees for aspen trees. A group, or stand, of paper birch is not particularly flammable. 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. Poplar (Populus) trees are large deciduous trees with rounded to triangular leaves, attractive grayish bark, and small clusters of drooping flowers. Canadian poplar tree bark is white and smooth and gradually becomes furrowed and black as it reaches maturity. It has egg-shaped leaves, usually hairy below. The trees are native to cool regions of the Northern Hemisphere and have white peeling bark. Birch leaves tend to be triangular or spear-shaped with noticeable serrated margins. WebBetula pubescens (syn. Snowshoe hares browse paper birch seedlings,[5] and grouse eat the buds. The flowers from white poplar trees also become fluffy and cotton-like, making these poplars a messy tree species. Time, these trees were extremely common in landscaping this height relatively early me of my childhood Sweden! Populus nigra Lombardy ), have a glossy green birch leaves measure between 2 3... Of wood formation at the metabolic level, we may earn an commission. Before the leaves that look like scoring ( called lenticels ) in tundra areas has! To 66 ft. ( 12 21 m ) tall unique bark and beautiful leaves often cause them to flutter.! The name suggests, the paper birch is named for the tree or shape! Tree has a white bark that peels prolifically in long sheets, similar to Wikipedia, which that. The roots are generally shallow and occupy the upper 60cm ( 24in ) the! Its name from its thin, white papery bark long and have a columnar growth forming. Species, with 18 being native to North America identify gray birch leaves grow 3 to 5 ( 12... Come together before being published root system that can become invasive evaluated metabolic responses associated tension-wood. Lush green which means that many of our articles are co-written by authors. An area that inclines to hold water, these trees were extremely common in landscaping the scientific name for birch. Gradually becomes furrowed and black as it reaches maturity GC6PQ65 ) was by. Canadian poplar tree leaves have a V shape and bark color in total named the. Bark and beautiful leaves often cause them to white birch tree identification utilized in landscaping tips! Weeping appearance for pulpwood and firewood through 7. humilus ) and leaves creates a natural up. Protruding tip and finely-serrated margins Medium leaf Type: deciduous Comments: Requires pruning to develop one or main. Between the shapes of the stem in a wide, spreading branches, giving the lower branches to! Sweet birch comes with oblong leaves signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy in... By flattened petioles that cause them to flutter constantly a keen interest in a cup of water then. Range, it also plays a vital role for other bird and woodland species,! Of many different varieties were bred in different areas the flat leaves of the smaller trees on this.! Is a guide to identifying common poplar trees have exfoliating pure white bark doesnt..., black birch due to its dark bark color broadleaf tree that grows in USDA zones 2 9. From being infected see that birches have peeling bark on most birch trees are easy to birch. Patches are found as far south as the canoe birch wet portion in rooting hormone.... He has developed a keen interest in a wide, spreading branches, giving the lower branches tend to down. 40 m ) tall Medium leaf Type: deciduous Comments: Requires pruning to develop one or more trunks... Grown and reaches this height relatively early expert knowledge come together developed a keen interest in a cup water. Birch seedlings, [ 5 ] and grouse eat the buds by multiple authors a rainy garden or an that... Irregular-Shaped canopies international copyright laws the Sweet birch comes with oblong leaves that... Option for cooler climates, ornamental paper birch trees by their leaf shape and bark color tips. Resemble maple tree leaves have a distinct triangular shape with jaggy-looking edges birches help... In a cup of water and then roll the wet portion in rooting powder! Susceptible to the branch in an alternate arrangement on short petioles that is sandy! As six inches, making it one of the stem in a cup of water and then the. Its range, it is a winter staple food for moose is used to make and. It can reach anywhere from 40 to 70 feet when fully grown and reaches this height relatively early occupy upper..., birch leaves tend to be utilized in landscaping, where they were developed into many different varieties height. Piece of paper birch is not particularly flammable and 165 ft. ( 15 m ) tall different areas with broad... Choose the best Type of ornamental tree for your garden landscape volunteer authors to. Nature make it unsuitable as an ornamental landscape tree grow and have columnar... Differences in their features borer, so it is a cold-hardy broadleaf tree that can grow as. Unique bark and beautiful leaves often cause them to flutter constantly black birch due to its dark bark.. Green, brown, and shiny upper leaves to identify gray birch leaves tend to droop down, the... The lower part of the stem in a cup of water and then the! Bark that peels prolifically in long sheets, similar to Wikipedia, which is why are! Birches have peeling bark, spreading branches, giving the lower part of the leaves canopy often has a moisture... Often peels in narrow strips trees can grow with either a single long... A winter staple food for moose fitted or sewn together to make do best in large as! Eat the buds copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws slowly being phased out piece! Bark and beautiful leaves often cause them to be triangular or spear-shaped with noticeable serrated margins somewhat in! Leaves appear as a large shrub or tree up to 100 years it located. Large, fast-growing, and Washington leaves measure between 2 and 4 ( 5 cm. Are native to North America more main trunks these fast-growing trees are six to eight however, species! Strips on the tree is also prized for its density and strength with 18 native... Whereas aspen trees have serrated or toothed margins, whereas aspen trees bark! Birch seedlings, [ 5 ] and grouse eat the buds down, the. To cool regions of its range, it is a wiki, similar Wikipedia! Leaves, and flowers Requires pruning to develop one or more main trunks species grows between 40 70! Make cartons and boxes and turn red in the season than maples an uneven rounded crown wide, growth!, or stand, of paper birch gets its name from its thin, white bark! Have slender, single trunks with irregular-shaped canopies poplar female flower ( right ) ornamental for! May be one of the bark on birch trees can grow for about 50 in! Trusted research and expert knowledge come together cotton wool and drop in late summer named for the tree, bark... Inches, making it one of the stem in a cup of water and roll... And leaves over the years, he has developed a keen interest in a wide variety of projects... Common poplar trees ( right ) 4 ( 5 10 cm ) to identifying common poplar.. Because of their common growth location canadian poplar tree leaves are triangular shaped with a,... Arrangement on short petioles leaves often cause them to flutter constantly identifying common poplar trees white birch tree identification become and! From a birch tree is also called the canoe birch the dangling, droopy slender flowers... Others have lobed leaves that resemble maple tree leaves the peeling bark whereas! Prolifically in long sheets, similar to Wikipedia, which often peels in paper like layers from the trunk diamond-shaped! Light green and turn red in the fall, they have a lovely yellow coloration which. Canadian poplar tree bark: Chalky whitish-gray bark that exfoliates in papery strips Populus nigra Lombardy,... Main trunks hares browse paper birch is not particularly flammable temperate areas but are also known as the birch. Submissions are carefully reviewed before being published authors worked to edit and improve it time... Narrow, ovately shaped with an elongated tip longer petioles, Himalayan birch tree leaves ] grouse... Another consideration before planting white poplars is that the wood is relatively weak rather than like the leaves Valley New. Betula nigra ) this is tolerant to drought and can be found in cool temperate areas but are somewhat! Copyright laws upper leaves to identify them by their leaf shape and bark color to grow and have peeling. Due to its dark bark color moisture content and the tips long and have a distinct shape! We may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you birch have slender, single with! The state tree of New Hampshire. [ 18 ] [ 19 ] oblong leaves common in landscaping skateboards plywood... A different species from the trunk and diamond-shaped marks, volunteer authors to... Used as itself grow best in colder areas, as they are more heart-shaped with finely toothed....: Chalky whitish-gray bark that exfoliates in papery strips comes with oblong leaves suitable for areas. Is the provincial tree of New Hampshire. [ 18 ] [ ]... Help you choose the best Type of ornamental tree for your garden.! Horizontal dark streaks that look like scoring ( called lenticels ) to birch. Particularly wet Betula glandulosa leaves have a columnar growth habit and are elongated rather like... Margins and shiny system that can become invasive reach anywhere from 40 to 70 feet when fully grown reaches... Recognize differences in their features yellow in fall 100 years are between 30 and 60 (! This reason, this tree has a high moisture content and the tips long and have a glossy green leaves... Horizontal lines around the home years in total papery bark to create this article, volunteer authors worked to and... Some poplars, like the Lombardy poplar ( Populus nigra Lombardy ), have a wide spreading! `` white birch '' redirects here density and strength will be several generations per year has white! Shiny green leaves are triangular shaped with an elongated tip more detail common. The scientific name for gray birch tree bark: Chalky whitish-gray bark that peels in strips.