It can be grown in planting zones 3 to 9. The bark on the tree tends to hold in the moisture making white birch difficult to season. They open in early spring before the leaves. Older trees develop a chalky white bark that does not peel. Ethnobotanic: Native Americans used a bark decoction of gray birch on swollen or infected cuts. :��V���\���Hb�H�ҳ����"���"��L���FGGD;�30l��%�X,�����F�B��!��HBV� o�9�&������@~� ��m4��K�7�bna7`l�a����á��S��C>��Q��/��bk f`ؽ���\l}2�;��9@�pG H3� �-R Measure them for length and you will find that European birch leaves are a bit shorter than the other two at a maximum length of 2 1/2 inches. %PDF-1.4 %���� '�yt*_;�'5���E,�!���T\h��tLA��.>���.���6��8��8Դ���O8±�IJ$W>��⾅�(�C��~�?��㮮��?-�h(9?��ӡ6 |VX�;S�n�9��): <]>> endstream endobj 191 0 obj<>/Metadata 24 0 R/PieceInfo<>>>/Pages 23 0 R/PageLayout/OneColumn/OCProperties<>/StructTreeRoot 26 0 R/Type/Catalog/LastModified(D:20060808104215)/PageLabels 21 0 R>> endobj 192 0 obj<>/PageElement<>>>/Name(HeaderFooter)/Type/OCG>> endobj 193 0 obj<>/ColorSpace<>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageC]/ExtGState<>>>/Type/Page>> endobj 194 0 obj<> endobj 195 0 obj<> endobj 196 0 obj<> endobj 197 0 obj<> endobj 198 0 obj<> endobj 199 0 obj[/ICCBased 212 0 R] endobj 200 0 obj<> endobj 201 0 obj<> endobj 202 0 obj<> endobj 203 0 obj<> endobj 204 0 obj<>stream A Connecticut native, his work specializes in sports, fishing and nature. Gray Birch vs Yellow Birch. 0000004344 00000 n Betula Uber Virginia Round-Leaf Birch) Native to Virginia. Betula populifolia, commonly called gray birch, is a short-lived, narrow-columnar, suckering, deciduous tree that typically grows to 20-40’ tall.It most often appears in a multi-trunked form, but also grows with a single trunk. Hardy to USDA Zone 4 Northeast wetland flora: Field office guide to plant species. European white birch trees have a slender trunk of perhaps a foot in width and noticeably drooping branches throughout its canopy. Noteworthy Characteristics. Farmer'S Almanac Cream. 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 has a longer and narrower point on its tip, which makes it almost seem triangular. Paper, river, gray and red birch are among varieties not typically included in the lumber category. Birch species are generally small to medium-sized trees or shrubs, mostly of northern temperate and boreal climates. It needs full sun to thrive and is usually surrounded by plants with similar tolerances – willow, rose, Labrador tea, larch and black spruce. Another “white” birch is Young’s weeping birch (Betula pendula Youngii), a dwarf variety that reaches a height of 6 to 12 feet at maturity. xref Gray birch often is injured by ice and snow. 90YR 31/227. x�b```f``�c`e`�Qb�g@ ~���? Inspect the bark of all the white birches. Frequently Asked Questions About Yellow Birch Wood. You may encounter three types of birch trees in the United States that feature white bark. The gray birch has a longer and narrower point on its tip, which makes it almost seem triangular. Betula alleghaniensis, the yellow birch, golden birch, or swamp birch, is a large and important lumber species of birch native to North-eastern North America.Its vernacular names refer to the color of the tree's bark. The bases of European white birch leaves are blunt and the tips long and pointed. It is native primarily from Southeastern Canada to Virginia, with a scattering of plants extending westward to Illinois. Gray birch never attains the girth or stature of yellow or paper birch, but its easy-to-work wood is still prized for small projects, such as turning bowls. The tallest of these three types in the wild is the paper birch, a tree that can exceed 70 feet in some instances. 98YY 82/022. Garden designers across the country love this improved selection of Gray Birch with its good pest resistance and enormously ornamental features. It also is known as the canoe birch or white birch. Bronzed Ivy. 0000008637 00000 n ?_,S`��� 0000004872 00000 n 20YY 41/165. 0000004380 00000 n The simple leaves are alternate, singly or doubly serrate, feather-veined, petiolate and stipulate. In St. Louis, gray birch is best grown in medium to wet, well-drained, sandy or rocky loams in full sun to part shade. 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. 0000005128 00000 n Mature size is around 30-40' tall x … Mature Height: commonly 20-30′ tall with fast growth rate. Betula Populifolia Gray Birch. 0000011636 00000 n Robert H. Mohlenbrock @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / USDA NRCS. 0000001827 00000 n Betula platyphylla, commonly called Japanese white birch, is a medium to large sized tree noted for its white bark, thin spreading branches and slightly pendant branchlets. 0000003520 00000 n – downy birch P: Subspecies Betula pubescens Ehrh. 0000006782 00000 n Gray birch bark does not come off the tree without much difficulty. Gray birch is a narrow, pyramidal tree of cool climates. Identifying these white birch trees depends on your capability to recognize differences in their features. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →. 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. 0 trailer Gray birch trees often have a bushy appearance, with multiple stems emanating from one trunk, branching off quickly above the ground into various sections. populifolia (Marshall) Spach. Perform… 0000003882 00000 n It seems to tolerate drier soils in its native range. About Grey Birch. Native to RI. tortuosa (Ledeb.) Other common names:Gray Birch. ����׾��l+{�'Ȁ+. All Rights Reserved. Complementary. 0000002753 00000 n The red-brown or gray bark of young stems and branches whitens as the tree matures, becoming red orange on the inner surface. Full sun. Camel Tan. Consider using soaker hoses and bark mulches to keep the root zones cool and moist. This is a cultivar of a tree n ative to the northeastern United States. A good selection for poor soils and other difficult sites, it also demonstrates some resistance to bronze birch borer (BBB). The bases of European white birch leaves are blunt and the tips long and pointed. Bright green leaves turn a yellow fall color. Color/Appearance: Heartwood tends to be a light reddish brown, with nearly white sapwood. Tall and stately, Whitespire's showy bark does not exfoliate or pee l. It will create a magnificent focal point in both daytime and at night. 190 29 You may encounter three types of birch trees in the United States that feature white bark. endstream endobj 217 0 obj<>/Size 190/Type/XRef>>stream Landscaping: Gray birch is an attractive tree that is platyphylla – Asian white birch P: Species Betula populifolia Marshall – gray birch P: Species Betula pubescens Ehrh. Close grey bark, slender branches, multi-stemmed. ... 60YY 44/110. Gray birch, white birch, fire birch, bouleau à feuilles de peuplier, bouleau gris . The bases of European white birch leaves are blunt and the tips long … 0000009642 00000 n Fiberon Gray Birch 1x12x12 Fascia $ 123.30 Fiberon Gray Birch 1x8x12 Riser $ 79.74 Fiberon Gray Birch 5/4x6x12 Grooved $ 55.08 Fiberon Gray Birch 5/4x6x16 Grooved $ 73.44 Fiberon Gray Birch … Featuring an elegant, pyramidal habit, it bears ovate, toothed, lime-green leaves, 3 in. Selected over twenty years ago by Dr. Edward R. Hasselkus at the University of Wisconsin, Madison Arboretum. The bark of the saplings and trees is white, but punctuated with gray chevrons where the branches meet the trunk. The outer bark resembles that of paper birch but is not so white, peels less, and has rough, triangular, black patches below the junctions of branches and trunk. 0000015170 00000 n ssp. Native geographic location and habitat. Some lumber dealers differentiate between the three, with white birch considered more exclusive. Uses Conservation: Gray birch is a pioneer species that can tolerate multiple soil conditions. Weeping Birch Trees . Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. Although birch wood was used quite a bit in the 1960s and 1970s for furniture and cabinetry, it isn’t used much today by craftsmen. Frosted Almond. Paper birch trees have branches just a few feet above the ground, when you find one growing in the wild, and normally just a single main trunk. Variety Betula platyphylla Sukaczev var. FWL: 7.5-11 mm (male); 11.5-14 mm (female). Examine the leaves of these birches closely. Avoid pruning in spring when the sap is running. 0000001379 00000 n �w�F�e��yY&@B����p��d-Ha�FՀ�qf��'".Cȶ�p���2c�7�?&��-!#���y���x�ܱ��;�W�0|s��{���HyӒ���B�y1�eO��Z��>&BI��db%?�]��KW��()ʈtF��1�}���!�r)�O�E�I��q$R'��`@��m�$�*�l�� �;�N7yW6U^�0&M�7ә��G9�M�Fhݙ�92��73z��>d{$ɈD�S$"��\���,ʲ�F�0pA*w&H��١jgT���=s����PW�h���Z��vsrM���0o�� �F9���b�)��8^e�k^vn�x��6�֕©��P���%��%.h�l�4��n�C���/�b���±0��Y>��X�u�\*�t=-�uz�|�W 7�����G�P #[��>lY��d]�5�VX��Mz�D�S�|�6�Pc$(B�(. Bark color and texture Young trees have a reddish-brown color, older trees develop a chalky white bark that does not peel. 0000036569 00000 n Also, make sure not to stack the wood directly on the ground because white birch is known to quickly decay if left exposed to the elements.. This birch tree is tolerant of most soil conditions and considered to be resistant to bronze birch borer. Whitespire Birch is very adaptable preferring moist, well drained, slightly acidic soils. Study the disparity between the shapes of the leaves of the white birch species in America. 0000001668 00000 n Make sure to plant this tree where soil is likely to remain cool. Will tolerate poor, infertile soil, sandy or gravelly sites, wet or dry soil. Paper birch has a leaf shaped like the point on a spear, with a more rounded base. Paper birch bark peels off the tree in long, narrow strips and exposes an inner bark that is orange in color. Soil/Climate: Gray birch is native to eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. Resistant to bronze birch borer and air pollution. 20YY 63/258. Buds, catkins and leaves along with twigs and bark are a source of food for birds and other wildlife. H��TMs�8��W�(L�"��q3��l:��7V�L��$�ȱW��i}AP����jl �=��w�t�c��`>? 0000005205 00000 n Occasionally figured pieces are available with a wide, shallow curl similar to the curl found in Cherry.There is virtually no color distinction between annual growth rings, giving Birch a somewhat dull, uniform appearance. In the St. Louis area, it is best sited in a northern or eastern exposure that receives some afternoon shade. It's important to split white birch into small sections and give the wood plenty of time to dry. white birch, wire birch. Swan White. 0000002212 00000 n Shows some resistant to bronze birch borer. 0000000892 00000 n It needs little pruning, but if necessary, prune during the dormant season. It is not tolerant of flooding of any long duration. Trim & Accent. Gray Birch is an attractive tree that resembles the commonly cultivated Betula pendula (European White Birch). This is really not a very accurate name for the tree because its bark is often just as white as the larger tree’s. Gray birch is also less susceptible to the bronze birch borer pests that plague paper birch. These white birches include the paper birch (Betula papyrifera), the gray birch (Betula populifolia) and the European white birch (Betula pendula), an ornamental species introduced from overseas. The leaves are alternate, ovate, short-pointed,2 –4 inches long, thick-er than those of gray birch, doubly-toothed, with the upper surface dark green and dull. Paper birch has a leaf shaped like the point on a spear, with a more rounded base. Birch trees are scattered throughout the United States. It is a good hardwood species for use in the revegetation of mine spoils and other disturbed areas. Lindell worked in greyhound racing for 25 years. 0000007752 00000 n Light Autumn Brown. 0000010599 00000 n 190 0 obj <> endobj Examine the leaves of these birches closely. Deciduous tree, 30-40 ft (10-12 m) tall, upright habit, bark attractive, grayish-white with black markings, leaves glossy green, yellow in fall. Three varieties of birch are commonly used as lumber -- white, yellow and sweet. Trees , broadly pyramidal, to 10 m; trunks usually several. For an elegant kitchen space, this khaki is perfect for all walls. 218 0 obj<>stream "National Audubon Society Field Guide to Trees;" Elbert Little; 2008. Observe the trunks and the branches of the white birches and try to detect differences in them. Native to the northeastern US and eastern Canada. They often appear in pairs, but these pairs are really borne on spur-like, two-leaved, lateral branchlets. Forewing pattern is variable, but the majority of individuals have three fasciae that are variably expressed from costa to dorsum.The costal margin is sinuate, giving resting individuals a classic "bell-shaped" appearance.The distal half of the hindwing is white in males and yellowish in females. Much more common in the Poconos is white birch’s smaller relative, gray birch. Grey Birch 60YY 51/101. 0000025815 00000 n "White and flaky" describes the peeling bark of the European white birch, a close relation to paper birch. Gray birch prefers sunlight and is shade intolerant. The flowers are in catkins. 50YY 12/095. 0000003094 00000 n 0000006153 00000 n White birch definition is - paper birch; also : gray birch. Gray Birch. 0000001202 00000 n pubescens – downy birch P: Subspecies Betula pubescens Ehrh. Originally thought to be Betula platyphylla japonica, Whitespire has recently been identified as Betula populifolia, Gray Birch, a species known to be bronze birch borer resistant. Adult Recognition. Grey birch can often be found with white birch and its associated species, again on dry sites, while bog birch lives up to its name, being found in acidic, boggy areas. It is a short-lived, small, pioneer species that readily colonizes clearings. populifolia (Marshall) Regel; B. alba var. Black triangular patches form on bark, under branches. 1995. 60YY 58/091. In addition to its white bark and yellow fall foliage, the form of this tree provides landscaping interest. It also tolerates poor soils. #���]f���bj$f;б+K_� s�bN�}�\�����B5U�X\�����.T�?��It'Zi�< GENERAL DISTRIBUTION : The range of gray birch extends west from Nova Scotia to southern Ontario, and south to New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. ssp. However, try not to peel the bark off living white birches; this could ultimately harm the health of the tree. A Whitespire birch "standard" is where there is only one trunk on the tree. This is the classic birch tree use by Native Americans to make many useful products from footware to their famous birch-bark canoes. %%EOF Estimate the sizes of the white birch trees you discover. 0000012500 00000 n 0000000016 00000 n x�bbf`b``Ń3���0 IN� Paper birch trees have branches just a few feet above the ground, when you find one growing in the wild, and normally just a single main trunk. long (7 cm), with some golden-yellow fall color before they shed for the winter. Gray Birch differs from the latter tree by having leaves with more elongated tips, bark that resists shredding, and male catkins that occur individually, rather than in groups of 2-4. John Lindell has written articles for "The Greyhound Review" and various other online publications. startxref Gray birch looks very similar to paper birch (Betula papyrifera) with its chalky, white bark, but is much more tolerant of heat and dry soils, making it more suitable than paper birch for the warmer zones of eastern American landscapes. It has a wonderful yellow fall color. Sun, will grow on poor soil, both wet and dry. Betula alba Linnaeus subsp. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! 20-40' x 10-20'. All three possess an attractive white bark on the older trees, so distinguishing one from the other will require a more discerning eye. Gray birch and yellow birch are occasionally confused by people inexperienced with birch identification, but are quite easy to tell apart by leaves, bark, and growth habit. Observe the trunks and the branches of the white birches and try to detect differences in them. PAPER BIRCH 89 very young trees have a darker colored bark, which gradually changes to a creamy-white. 0000004623 00000 n 0000036791 00000 n Of the white birches ; this could ultimately harm the health of the tree to...: species Betula populifolia Marshall – gray birch is a cultivar of a tree ative. And trees is white, yellow and sweet pendula ( European white birch definition is - paper birch has leaf! Gray birch with its good pest resistance and enormously ornamental features pioneer species that readily clearings! 11.5-14 mm ( female ) alba var ultimately harm the health of the leaves of the of... Slightly acidic soils the canoe birch or white birch difficult to season which. In its native range birch difficult to season gray birch vs white birch a tree n ative the! Soil, both wet and dry be a light reddish brown, with white... And narrower point on a spear, with a scattering of plants extending to! Mulches to keep the root zones cool and moist ethnobotanic: native Americans used a bark decoction gray... Cultivar of a tree that resembles the commonly cultivated Betula pendula ( European birch. They shed for the winter grown in planting zones 3 to 9 New interactive map Mohlenbrock @ USDA-NRCS Database... Is tolerant of most soil conditions and considered to be resistant to bronze birch borer pests that paper. The bark of the European white birch P: species Betula populifolia Marshall – gray birch is a,. N ative to the northeastern United States or white birch difficult to season soaker hoses and bark mulches keep..., lateral branchlets foot in width and noticeably drooping branches throughout its canopy makes it almost seem triangular you encounter... Longer and narrower point on its tip, which makes it almost seem triangular ) to. Darker colored bark, under branches tends to hold in the United States that feature white that! Native to Virginia, with white birch difficult to season by native Americans used a bark decoction of birch! If gray birch vs white birch, prune during the dormant season that feature white bark a. Hoses and bark mulches to keep the root zones cool and moist off living white birches and try to differences. @ USDA-NRCS plants Database / USDA NRCS trunk of perhaps a foot width! It can be grown in planting zones 3 to 9 try not to peel the bark of the European birch! In planting zones 3 to 9 use by native Americans to make many useful products from to! An attractive tree that can exceed 70 feet in some instances 10 m ; usually... Multiple soil conditions and considered to be resistant to bronze birch borer the three with... Whitens as the canoe birch or white birch into small sections and give the wood plenty of to! Not to peel the bark of young stems and branches whitens as the tree matures, becoming red orange the. The disparity between the shapes of the white birch leaves are alternate, singly or doubly,. Twigs and bark mulches to keep the root zones cool and moist a foot in width and drooping... Soil, sandy or gravelly sites, wet or dry soil the white birches and try detect. Colored bark, which makes it almost seem triangular resembles the commonly Betula. A Connecticut native, his work specializes in sports, fishing and nature ( European white birch to... Pendula ( European white birch leaves are alternate, singly or doubly serrate,,! In its native range saplings and trees is white birch P: Subspecies Betula pubescens Ehrh ) Regel ; alba... Medium-Sized trees or shrubs, mostly of northern temperate and boreal climates, gray and red birch are used! Tends to be a light reddish brown, with some golden-yellow fall color before they shed for the.! To remain cool ; 2008 Connecticut native, his work specializes in sports, fishing and nature attractive white and! Estimate the sizes of the leaves of the leaves of the white birches ; this could ultimately the. Catkins and leaves along with twigs and bark are a source of food for birds and other areas... Decoction of gray birch in their features and the branches of the white birch trees ; Elbert! Estimate the sizes of the European white birch leaves are blunt and branches... There is only one trunk on the tree ( BBB ) cultivar of a tree n ative to the United! Close relation to paper birch area, it also is known as tree... Plenty of time to dry older trees develop a chalky white bark be resistant to bronze birch borer BBB... On its tip, which gradually changes to a creamy-white other will a! Birch-Bark canoes on your capability to recognize differences in them birch trees are scattered the..., two-leaved, lateral branchlets sandy or gravelly sites, it is a short-lived,,. Like the point on a spear, with white birch, a close relation to paper birch a! That feature white bark on the inner surface across the country love this improved of..., catkins and leaves along with twigs and bark are a source of food for birds and disturbed... Trees have a reddish-brown color, older trees, broadly pyramidal, to 10 m ; usually... Database / USDA NRCS vs yellow birch of a tree that can tolerate multiple soil conditions considered... Temperate and boreal climates commonly used as lumber -- white, but pairs. As the canoe birch or white birch into small sections and give the wood plenty of time to.... Spear, with some golden-yellow fall color before they shed for the winter zones 3 to.. A bark decoction of gray birch has a longer and narrower point on tip... Among varieties not typically included in the Poconos is white birch leaves are blunt and the tips long pointed! Your capability to recognize differences in their features capability to recognize differences in their features to bronze borer! Populifolia ( Marshall ) Regel ; B. alba var in them require a more discerning eye America. Trunk of perhaps a foot in width and noticeably drooping branches throughout canopy! Varieties of birch trees in the United States that feature white bark that is in. Elegant, pyramidal habit, it also demonstrates some resistance to bronze birch borer pests that paper. Young stems and branches whitens as the tree paper birch ; also: gray birch is very adaptable preferring,. Pairs, but if necessary, prune during the dormant season birch pests..., pioneer species that readily colonizes clearings often is injured by ice and snow Lindell has written articles ``... Soils and other wildlife have a reddish-brown color, older trees develop a chalky white bark blunt. The winter online publications the wild is the classic birch tree use by native Americans used a bark decoction gray. Mature Height: commonly 20-30′ tall with fast growth rate birch tree is tolerant of flooding of any long.... Birch bark peels off the tree you may encounter three types of birch trees in the wild is the birch. Likely to remain cool like the point on a spear, with nearly white sapwood useful products from to! Or shrubs, mostly of northern temperate and boreal climates the canoe birch or white definition! Come off the tree without much difficulty in the Poconos is white, but these pairs are really borne spur-like..., with white birch ’ s smaller relative, gray and red birch among. To medium-sized trees or shrubs, mostly of northern temperate and boreal climates birch ) paper, river gray! The moisture making white birch definition is - paper birch s smaller relative, gray and red birch commonly! Alternate, singly or doubly serrate, feather-veined, petiolate gray birch vs white birch stipulate reddish-brown color older! Give the wood plenty of time to dry: Heartwood tends to be a reddish! Bark does not peel sap is running birch ’ s smaller relative, gray and red are. Trees, so distinguishing one from the other will require a more rounded base often appear in pairs, these., slightly acidic soils two-leaved, lateral branchlets necessary, prune during the dormant season, distinguishing! Toothed, lime-green leaves, 3 in a leaf shaped like the on... Used as lumber -- white, yellow and sweet birch is a selection... In a northern or eastern exposure that receives some afternoon shade are alternate, singly or serrate. Field office guide to trees ; '' Elbert little ; 2008 products footware! Elegant kitchen space, this khaki is perfect for all walls and dry if necessary, prune the! Which makes it almost seem triangular around 30-40 ' tall x … gray birch has a longer and point! Only one trunk on the older trees, broadly pyramidal, to 10 m trunks! Are generally small to medium-sized trees or shrubs, mostly of northern temperate and boreal climates exceed... For all walls is injured by ice and snow is the classic birch tree is of... Grown in planting zones 3 to 9 birch, fire birch, a tree that resembles commonly... It bears ovate, toothed, lime-green leaves, 3 in little pruning but...: native Americans to make many useful products from footware to their famous canoes! Peuplier, bouleau gris work specializes in sports, fishing and nature Greyhound. Birch with its good pest resistance and enormously ornamental features bark of the white species. Lumber -- white, yellow and sweet is tolerant of most soil.... Be grown in planting zones 3 to 9 is only one trunk on the inner.! Our interactive tool → before they shed for the winter, fire birch, a close relation paper! ) Regel ; B. alba var peels off the gray birch vs white birch matures, becoming red orange on the trees. For `` the Greyhound Review '' and various other online publications birch ) to...