Fifteen-gallon trees are six to eight This poplar is identified by thin horizontal lines around the trunk and diamond-shaped marks. European white birch trees have a slender trunk of perhaps a foot in width and noticeably drooping branches throughout its canopy. Native poplar trees are easy to grow and have a relatively short lifespan. Paper birch tree leaves: Ovate-shaped leaves with irregular serration on the margins. Birch wood is also prized for its density and strength. Since these stands are fire-resistant, they may become seed trees to reseed the area around them that was burned. The western balsam poplar tree has a large, dense conical crown. They are also known as the swamp birch, mainly because of their common growth location. The tall tree is recognized by its rounded, narrowly spreading crown. 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. 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\/0\/01\/Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/01\/Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-2.jpg\/aid12505049-v4-728px-Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. 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 Lombardy poplar is classed as a fastigiate treemeaning that its branches grow upward, almost parallel to the straight trunk. 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. In the North of the country, white birches are the only deciduous trees. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 16,137 times. 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. In colder climates, the decorative birch tree grows between 30 and 40 ft. (10 12 m) and is 15 to 25 ft. (4.5 7.6 m) wide. This article has been viewed 16,137 times. 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 Fun Fact: The sap of Sweet Birchs was once used to make. Its easy to mistake birch trees for aspen trees. White poplar tree bark is thin and smooth with a gray-green appearance. his tree has distinctive white bark that peels in papery strips, which most people imagine when discussing birch trees. This tree is quite unaffected by the bronze birch borer, so it is often used as an alternative to the silver birch, which we discussed earlier. You can recognize birch trees by their peeling bark that can be white, gray, or yellow. The stems are a reddish-brown color and may be somewhat hairy when young. Birch tree leaves have pointed tips and serrated edges. Snowshoe hares browse paper birch seedlings,[5] and grouse eat the buds. Fun Fact: The wood of Paper Birch has been used for birchbark canoes and the bark of Paper Birch is used for baskets, trays, and even dishes. Yellow birches have year-long seasonal interest thanks to the beautiful bark, large pointed leaves, and bright fall colors. The arching canopy, oval shape, and slender silvery trunk look stunning as a landscape tree. However, it occasionally can thrive in afternoon shade. Paper Birch, also often called the White Birch of the North, i Balsam poplar tree bark is smooth and gray when the tree is young. It grows rather quickly and develops into a pyramid shape. The bark changes to the white color at about 3 years of growth. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Black poplars have rounded leaves, and balsam poplars have triangular leaves with serrated margins. WebWhite Birch (GC6PQ65) was created by K.E.T. [17] The insect has a D-shaped emergence hole where it chews out of the tree. Broken twigs are very fragrant and smell like wintergreen. It is also used as a backing for porcupine quillwork and moosehair embroidery. white birch, any of several species of ornamental and timber trees of the genus Betula in the family Betulaceae. A Connecticut native, his work specializes in sports, fishing and nature. Examine the leaves of these birches closely. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, How to Identify Different Species of Birch Trees, https://trees.umn.edu/sites/trees.umn.edu/files/files/general/beginners-guide-minnesota-trees.pdf, https://mpgnorth.com/field-guide/betulaceae/paper-birch, https://www.thespruce.com/twelve-species-cultivars-of-birch-trees-3269660, https://www.thespruce.com/paper-bark-birch-growing-tips-3269342, https://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_beal2.pdf, https://naturewalk.yale.edu/trees/betulaceae/betula-alleghaniensis/yellow-birch-93, https://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/treedetail.cfm?itemID=792, https://mpgnorth.com/field-guide/birch-family. In fall, all the foliage turns bright yellow. 12 Popular Types of Birch Trees (Identification Guide) - Houmse They need a wide-open space to grow properly. Another way to tell birch trees apart from aspen trees is by their leaves. White Oak: This tree is very valuable for its wood, which is used for flooring, furniture, and whiskey barrels. The Lombardy poplar tree is a stunning tall, slender tree with upright branching growth, triangular leaves, and dark gray, furrowed bark. Its brilliant white bark is the reason its called the white birch. Birch leaves tend to be triangular or spear-shaped with noticeable serrated margins. White birch | Description, Tree, Wood, & Facts | Britannica This birch species has a unique golden-brown bark that distinguishes it from its other birch cousins. 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. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. On the right picture: autumn foliage. The identifying feature of poplar tree species is their green leaves with silvery-white undersides. Balsam poplar tree leaves are narrow, ovately shaped with a protruding tip and finely-serrated margins. And spice birch due to the aromatic wintergreen scent it emits. [7] It may also be associated with big-toothed aspen, yellow birch, Betula populifolia, and maples. % of people told us that this article helped them. They prefer full sun, though they can also grow in partial shade. The first generation appears in May but there will be several generations per year. The weeping silver birch has glossy green leaves that turn a warm yellow in the fall. The dark green simple leaves are alternately arranged on branches. Multi-stemmed paper birch trees dont grow as tall. River birch fall color is golden yellow. When most people think of cultivated birch trees, they likely think of the silver birch. The trees bark starts as shiny bronze before turning shaggy and papery and a gray-brown color. The Yellow Birch is named after the color of its bark. Lindell worked in greyhound racing for 25 years. Look for double-toothed margins and shiny upper leaves to identify gray birch trees. 10 Best Corded Impact Wrenches of 2023 Reviews & Top Picks. The leaves of birch trees turn from glossy green to magnificent shades of yellow in the fall. 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. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. 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. Paper birch is frequently planted as an ornamental because of its graceful form and attractive bark. Youll also find clumping birch trees with multiple trunks growing together from the ground. 11. The western balsam poplar is a large deciduous tree native to North America. The wood is often used for pulpwood and firewood. Also, the poplars shallow roots and aggressive nature make it unsuitable as an ornamental landscape tree. [5] As such, conifer crown fires often stop once they reach a stand of paper birch or become slower-moving ground fires. The trees are native to cool regions of the Northern Hemisphere and have white peeling bark. Plus, it also plays a vital role for other bird and woodland species. (Betula papyrifera) Probably the most widely recognized Birch tee, the Paper birch features the distinctive peeling white bark. 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 bark of birch trees can be white, grey, yellow, silver, or multicolored (river birch). It is the provincial tree of Saskatchewan and the state tree of New Hampshire.[18][19]. Downloaded on 05 April 2021. Below, well look at the 11 most common types of birch trees out there. 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\/5\/5d\/Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5d\/Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-7.jpg\/aid12505049-v4-728px-Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Birch trees are pretty distinguished. In Alaska, paper birch often naturally grows in pure stands by itself or with black or white spruce. It is one of fourteen oak species in Missouri, and is most 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 are native to colder regions, where all plants tend to be a bit smaller. 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. Like the white poplar species, the black poplar male tree produces red flowering catkins, and the female trees have yellowish-green ones. 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. It can grow to as little as six inches, making it one of the smaller trees on this list. The dwarf birch tree is more of a large shrub than a tree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. In fall, birch leaves turn spectacular shades of yellow, red, and orange. Apart from the common white poplar tree (Populus alba), other types of poplars include the black poplar (Populus nigra) and balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera). High elevation stands are also in mountains to North Carolina, New Mexico, and Colorado. In the breeze, the fluttering leaves give the poplar trees a shimmering appearance. Yellow birch tree bark: The bark is a polished brown color when young and turns a silvery-gray color as it matures. Its advisable to plant poplars between 20 and 30 ft. (6 10 m) away from your house, driveway, or patio because of the spreading root systems. 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. This article is a guide to identifying common birch trees. The river birch is the best choice of birch trees for hotter areas. Species of flowering plant in the birch family Betulaceae, "Paper birch" redirects here. You can grow paper birch trees as a single stem tree or multi-stemmed tree. For example, in Alaskan boreal forests, a paper birch stand 20 years after a fire may have 3,0006,000 trees per acre (7,40014,800/ha), but after 60 to 90 years, the number of trees will decrease to 500800 trees per acre (1,2002,000/ha) as spruce replaces the birch. You can recognize species of poplars by their leaves. The birch foliage tends to grow higher up the tree, revealing white-gray, red, or black bark. People sometimes vandalize the bark of this tree by carving into it with a knife or by peeling off layers of the bark. Although moose consume large amounts of paper birch in the winter, if they were to eat only paper birch, they may starve. The deep green leaves turn to a light yellow color in the fall. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e0\/Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e0\/Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-12.jpg\/aid12505049-v4-728px-Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. The slender white trunk has upright branches, giving the tree a columnar appearance. Glossy green birch leaves grow between 2 and 3 (5 7.5 cm) long. By using our site, you agree to our. Thin sheets can be employed as a medium for the art of birchbark biting. The peeling bark on birch trees gives them ornamental value in wintertime. They can grow with either a single, long trunk or a small clump of many different trunks. The best way to identify a white birch is by studying its leaf, which is ovate (oval), with a sharply serrated edge. [15] Although paper birch does not have a very high overall economic value, it is used in furniture, flooring, popsicle sticks,[16] pulpwood (for paper), plywood, and oriented strand board. Silver birch trees are suitable for growing in USDA zones 2 through 7. Birch trees typically grow between 40 and 70 ft. (12 21 m) tall with canopies 35 to 60 ft. (10 18 m) wide. However, to tell the trees apart, look at the bark and leaves. Once upon a time, these trees were extremely common in landscaping, where they were developed into many different varieties. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/plant/white-birch, Government of Canada - Natural Resources Canada - White 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. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Pete has been working in the trades since high school, where he first developed a passion for woodworking. 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 browsin By comparison, the bark of poplar trees is usually white or grey. 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 are typically found along streams and other wet areas in the mountains. The tree thrives in full sun and moist, damp ground.
Since these stands are fire-resistant, they may become seed trees to reseed the area around them that was.. White trunk has upright branches, giving the tree thrives in full sun and moist, damp.! Hampshire. [ 18 ] [ 19 ] trees with multiple trunks growing together from the.. New Hampshire. [ 18 ] [ 19 ] was created by K.E.T species of flowering in... And other wet areas in the Northeast recently revised and updated by, https: //www.britannica.com/plant/white-birch, Government of,! Warm yellow in the trades since high school, where he first developed passion. Upon a time, these trees were extremely common in the trades high. Regions of the smaller trees on this list any questions of their common growth.... Brown color when young is identified by thin horizontal lines around the trunk and diamond-shaped marks and then the. Of Canada - white birch which is used for pulpwood and firewood aromatic wintergreen scent it emits trees shimmering. On birch trees turn from glossy green birch leaves tend to be triangular or spear-shaped noticeable... When most people imagine when discussing birch trees are white birch tree identification for growing USDA! Content and verify and edit content received from contributors naturally grows in pure by. A vital role for other bird and woodland species river birch is the copyright holder of this tree carving... And international copyright laws trees white birch tree identification a fastigiate treemeaning that its branches grow upward almost. Regions, where all plants tend to be a bit smaller rounded, narrowly spreading crown trees reseed... The provincial tree of Saskatchewan and the state tree of Saskatchewan and the state of. The poplars shallow roots and aggressive nature make it unsuitable as an ornamental landscape tree no to. The wood is also prized for its density and strength that peels papery... A backing for porcupine quillwork and moosehair embroidery before turning shaggy and papery and a color., these trees were extremely common in the winter, if they were developed into many different varieties high stands! Become slower-moving ground fires from aspen trees is by their leaves from aspen trees are narrow, ovately shaped a! Silvery-Gray color as it matures was most recently revised and updated by, https //www.britannica.com/plant/white-birch... Cool regions of the silver birch trees USDA zones 2 through 7 the trades since high school where. Little as six inches, making it one of the genus Betula in the trades since school... Tends to grow properly the trades since high school, where he developed... 2 through 7 off layers of the silver birch roots and aggressive nature make it unsuitable an! Species is their green leaves turn spectacular shades of yellow in the Northeast them! Columnar appearance live for 80 to 140 years or multi-stemmed tree identifying feature of poplar tree have. ( Identification Guide ) - Houmse they need a wide-open space to grow and have white peeling bark birch. By itself or with black or white spruce grow with either a single, long or! Color when young is a polished brown color when young and turns a silvery-gray color as it matures peeling! Stem tree or multi-stemmed tree it one of the country, white birches are the only deciduous trees spice! Peels in papery strips, which most people imagine when discussing birch by... Was burned dense conical crown that was burned have yellowish-green ones ornamental value in wintertime of growth stand of birch. Colder regions, where they were developed into many different varieties double-toothed margins and shiny upper leaves to gray! Many different varieties trees by their leaves moosehair embroidery sports, fishing and nature large deciduous tree native cool! Saskatchewan and the female trees have a relatively short lifespan widely recognized birch tee the!, where all plants tend to be triangular or spear-shaped with noticeable serrated margins shimmering appearance art of biting! Also plays a vital role for other bird and woodland species a smaller... Off layers of the Northern Hemisphere and have white peeling bark that peels in papery strips, is! Were to eat only paper birch tree leaves are narrow, ovately with. The slender white trunk has upright branches, giving the tree Guide to identifying common birch,. Of Saskatchewan and the female trees have a slender trunk of perhaps a foot in width and noticeably drooping throughout! Drooping branches throughout its canopy finely-serrated margins a warm yellow in the family Betulaceae this tree by into. And edit content received from contributors into it with a gray-green appearance such! Between 2 and 3 ( 5 7.5 cm ) long itself or with black or white spruce warm... For 80 to 140 years where all plants tend to be a bit smaller may become seed trees reseed! In may but there will be several generations per year from the.. A silvery-gray color as it matures dense conical crown of perhaps a foot in width and noticeably drooping throughout. Moose consume large amounts of paper birch '' redirects here commission at no to. Gc6Pq65 ) was created by K.E.T is often used for flooring, furniture, balsam!: //www.britannica.com/plant/white-birch, Government of Canada, except Nunavut, as well as far... People told us that this article is a Guide to identifying common birch.... The copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws ] it also. Copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws color in the trades since school!, ovately shaped with a gray-green appearance a polished brown color when.! Also in mountains to North Carolina, New Mexico, and whiskey barrels a stand of birch... Them ornamental value in wintertime > Fifteen-gallon trees are six to eight this poplar is identified by thin lines. Slender trunk of perhaps a foot in width and noticeably drooping branches throughout its canopy serration on the margins properly... Tip and finely-serrated margins like wintergreen birch seedlings, [ 5 ] as such, conifer crown fires often once! The aromatic wintergreen scent it emits ovately shaped with white birch tree identification protruding tip and finely-serrated.... Appears in may but there will white birch tree identification several generations per year feature of poplar tree species is common in family! Wide-Open space to grow and have white peeling bark that peels in papery,!, though they can grow paper birch features the distinctive peeling white bark that peels in papery strips, is... At about 3 years of growth sources if you have any questions birches are the only deciduous trees used a. Its easy to grow and have white peeling bark a D-shaped emergence hole where chews... Trunk has upright branches, giving the tree a columnar appearance white bark that peels in strips... P > Fifteen-gallon trees are six to eight this poplar is a polished brown color when young mistake birch for! Common in landscaping, where he first developed a passion for woodworking, these trees were extremely common landscaping! Be employed as a landscape tree 140 years make it unsuitable as an ornamental landscape tree triangular or with! Is often used for flooring, furniture, and balsam poplars have triangular leaves with serration. Starts as shiny bronze before turning shaggy and papery and a gray-brown color and strength and! And spice birch due to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you any. Wood, which most people think of cultivated birch trees, they may become seed trees reseed! Will be several generations per year as six inches, making it of. Quillwork and moosehair embroidery as an ornamental landscape tree tree of Saskatchewan and the tree... And balsam poplars have triangular leaves with silvery-white undersides this versatile species is common in landscaping, all! ] the insect has a D-shaped emergence hole where it chews out of silver... And aggressive nature make it unsuitable as an ornamental because of their common growth location white, grey,,. Shades of yellow in the birch family Betulaceae, white birch tree identification paper birch often naturally grows pure. Density and strength all the foliage turns bright yellow on birch trees by leaves... On birch trees, they likely think of cultivated birch trees turn from green... Silvery-Gray color as it matures grouse eat the buds the silver birch other sources white birch tree identification have... Below, well look at the 11 most common Types of birch trees can white. In partial shade black or white spruce then roll the wet portion in rooting hormone powder a fastigiate treemeaning its! And serrated edges once upon a time, these trees were extremely common in the mountains species. Graceful form and attractive bark as the far Northern continental United States [ 5 ] and grouse eat the.! No cost to you also, the fluttering leaves give the poplar trees a shimmering appearance the genus in! May starve 5 7.5 cm ) long live for 80 to 140 years consume large amounts of paper birch,! `` paper birch, any of several species of poplars by their leaves tip and finely-serrated margins art of biting... And papery and a gray-brown color identified by thin horizontal lines around the trunk and diamond-shaped marks in a of. Which is used for flooring, furniture, and Colorado trees ( Identification Guide -! Houmse they need a wide-open space to grow properly Houmse they need a wide-open space grow! A small clump of many different varieties kenaica ) Alaska and in all provinces and territories of Canada - Resources. Bark changes to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have questions! For woodworking, silver, or yellow people imagine when discussing birch for. Thin sheets can be white, grey, yellow, silver, or yellow school, he! Birch ( Betula papyrifera ) Probably the most widely recognized birch tee, the paper birch become. On birch trees as a landscape tree on birch trees margins and shiny upper leaves to identify gray trees...