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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. WebBetula pubescens (syn. As white poplar trees mature, the bark develops pronounced furrows that look black. Four-year-old trees were subjected to artificial bending treatment for 6 (Betula papyrifera) Probably the most widely recognized Birch tee, the Paper birch features the distinctive peeling white bark. However, they are a nutritional food for deer, rabbits, and birds. Common species of birch include the white birch, silver birch, and paper birch. The river birch is the best choice of birch trees for hotter areas. For other uses, see, "White birch" redirects here. Last Updated: December 7, 2022 It typically does not survive this pest, requiring removal to prevent other trees from being infected. 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 prefer full sun, though they can also grow in partial shade. Observe the trunks and the branches of the white birches and try to detect differences in them. 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.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Poplar tree bark is more of a silver-gray color, and its bark doesnt peel. Update Privacy Preferences 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. [7], Its bark is an excellent fire starter; it ignites at high temperatures even when wet. Paper birch has a thin, white bark that will peel, or exfoliate, in long strips. All trees in the genus Populus share similar characteristics. The sweet birch tree is a deciduous tree with large, ovate-shaped leaves that have finely serrated margins. It makes excellent high-yielding firewood if seasoned properly. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. The birch leaves have a glossy green upper side and yellowish-green underside. Birch tree flowers are small, insignificant clusters of flowering spikes called catkins. Corrections? wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. As you might expect, this tree is native to Japan and a few other Asian countries. Generally, it is considered medium-sized and can grow from 30 to 50 feet. 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. Healthy trees are resistant to the borer, but when grown in sub-ideal conditions, the defense mechanisms of the tree may not function properly. Also called the white birch tree, the paper birch gets its name from its thin, white papery bark. 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). Sweet birch tree leaves: The glossy leaves start as a light green color before becoming a darker shade and then turning to rich golden yellow in the fall. The birch foliage tends to grow higher up the tree, revealing white-gray, red, or black bark. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. You will also notice horizontal diamond-shaped raised marks on the light-colored bark. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/plant/white-birch, Government of Canada - Natural Resources Canada - White birch. The canopy often has a high moisture content and the understory is often lush green. Dwarf birch tree (Betula nana) and a close up picture of the leaves. Gray poplars have a wide, spreading growth habit forming an uneven rounded crown. Gray birch trees often have a bushy appearance, with multiple stems emanating from one trunk, branching off quickly above the ground into various sections. 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. Gray birch trees are medium-sized trees, growing between 20 and 30 ft. (6 10 m). Typically, paper birch trees grow between 50 and 70 ft. (15 21 m) tall and have a rounded crown. Poplar trees range in height and grow between 20 and 165 ft. (6 50 m) tall and up to 70 ft. (21 m) wide. The bases of European white birch leaves are blunt and the tips long and pointed. The Cherry Birch is a relatively large tree that grows as a single, large trunk. You may encounter three types of birch trees in the United States that feature white bark. As poplar trees mature, the bark of many species darkens and becomes rough or fissured. The bark on most birch trees has horizontal dark streaks that look like scoring (called lenticels). It is also used as a backing for porcupine quillwork and moosehair embroidery. Balsam poplar tree leaves are narrow, ovately shaped with a protruding tip and finely-serrated margins. European white birch trees have a slender trunk of perhaps a foot in width and noticeably drooping branches throughout its canopy. This tree is relatively long-lived and may grow for up to 300 years, though the lifespan is closer to 150 years. A birch tree is a deciduous type of tree that typically grows to heights of 40-50 feet, depending on the species. The bark on mature necklace poplar trees is dark gray with deep fissures giving the tree trunk a rough texture. Birch trees bloom in spring at the same time leaves appear. Paper birch is planted to reclaim old mines and other disturbed sites, often bare-root or small saplings are planted when this is the goal. Paper birch is named for the tree's thin white bark, which often peels in paper like layers from the trunk. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. They are also known as the swamp birch, mainly because of their common growth location. While they can live in warmer climates, they are hardier and longer-lived the more north they are planted. There are some subtle differences in leaf shape between species of birch. Paper birch tree bark: Shiny white bark that peels in strips revealing orangey-brown bark underneath. They can grow with either a single, long trunk or a small clump of many different trunks. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Paper birch has a leaf shaped like the point on a spear, with a more rounded base. Most of these trees prefer wetter soil and are primarily found in the temperate zones of the Northern Hemisphere. However, they have become very vulnerable to the bronze birch borer, which tends to kill them very quickly. They commonly make up old-growth forests due to their longer lifespan. [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. White poplar trees are not ideal for garden landscapes. a medium to large tree with white bark and thin spreading branches that terminate in drooping branchlets. Gray birch tree bark: Chalky whitish-gray bark that doesnt peel. Description. Paper birch is often one of the first species to colonize a burned area within the northern latitudes, and is an important species for moose browsing. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. However, most species of birch trees have exfoliating pure white bark that peels off in strips. Once upon a time, these trees were extremely common in landscaping, where they were developed into many different varieties. 12 Popular Types of Birch Trees (Identification Guide) - Houmse wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Some poplars, like the Lombardy poplar (Populus nigra Lombardy), have a columnar growth habit and are ideal privacy trees. However, in dry periods, paper birch is flammable and will burn rapidly. In fall, birch leaves turn spectacular shades of yellow, red, and orange. Look at the leavesbirch leaves are typically triangular with jagged-looking edges. To prevent poplar trees from damaging buildings, plant them between 30 and 40 feet (10 12 m) away from your house. Betula nigra grows between 80 and 100 ft. (25 30 m) and typically has multiple slender trunks. Dwarf birch trees are well-suited to arctic conditions and thrive in USDA zones 1 through 8. It grows to between 30 and 60 feet (10 and 20 m.) tall and wide. The dried wood has a density of 37.4lb/cuft (0.599g/cm3) and an energy density 20,300,000BTU/cord (5,900,000kJ/m3). These trees dont live very long, either, but they do tolerate occasional flooding and all different types of soil, making them a suitable option to grow where other plants simply wont. Balsam poplar trees are cold-hardy deciduous trees that grow well in USDA zones 2 through 7. The trees are native to cool regions of the Northern Hemisphere and have white peeling bark. [17], Birch leafminer is a common pest that feeds from the inside of the leaf and causes the leaf to turn brown. Aspen tree trunks (left) are very similar to birch trunks (right). All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Unlike white poplars, Lombardy poplars have an attractive fall color when the leaves turn golden yellow. However, they prefer well-drained areas that are a bit rocky. It is a larger birch tree that can grow up to 50 feet tall. As the birch tree matures, the bark becomes reddish-brown and peels, revealing orangey flakes of bark. When most people think of cultivated birch trees, they likely think of the silver birch. Other names for white birch tree include downy birch, hairy birch, and moor birch. The white birch is sometimes confused with the silver birch (Betula pendula). Size Unlike the foliage of maple and oak , Over the years, he has developed a keen interest in a wide variety of DIY projects around the home. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This fast-growing river birch tree has smooth fuzzy twigs and unique buds among Betula trees due to the hooked tips. Also, birch leaves have a V shape and are elongated rather than like the flat leaves of aspens. The black poplar tree gets its common name from its dark, rough bark. [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]. Other common trees in the Populus genus are cottonwood trees and aspen trees. You can recognize birch trees by their peeling bark that can be white, gray, or yellow. All three possess an attractive white bark on the older trees, 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. When the tree matures, the bark forms cracks that look like scaly plates like the bark on a cherry tree. It can reach anywhere from 40 to 70 feet when fully grown and reaches this height relatively early. WebBetulaceae (Birch Family) Alnus rhombifolia: white alder: Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle Family) Sambucus mexicana : blue elderberry: Ericaceae (Heath Family) Arbutus menziesii: Pacific Catkin is a dense, drooping, cluster of flowers. Leaves on sweet birch trees are some of the biggest in the Betula genus, measuring up to 6 (15 cm) long. Due to its aggressive and robust root system, its best to plant this poplar species away from buildings. Lindell worked in greyhound racing for 25 years. 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. For this reason, this tree is also referred to as the canoe birch. On the right picture: autumn foliage. 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. They are native to colder regions, where all plants tend to be a bit smaller. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Birch trees are deciduous trees that have stunning ornamental appeal in the fall. 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. 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. As the name suggests, this tree has a white bark that peels prolifically in long sheets, similar to a piece of paper. B. papyrifera hybridizes with other species within the genus Betula. Gray poplar tree leaves are rounded to oval blades with roughly serrated margins. Necklace poplar tree leaves have a triangle shape with coarsely toothed margins. Poplar (Populus) trees are large deciduous trees with rounded to triangular leaves, attractive grayish bark, and small clusters of drooping flowers. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. While this tree is not usually cultivated (unless you live in an area where nothing else will grow), it is an essential source of cover for smaller animals that live in colder areas. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. 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Different varieties regions of the leaves grow up to 300 years, though the lifespan is closer 150. And finely-serrated margins typically has multiple slender trunks leaves that have stunning ornamental appeal in the temperate zones of white... 7, 2022 it typically does not survive this pest, requiring to. The leavesbirch leaves are typically triangular with jagged-looking edges species darkens and becomes or. Density of 37.4lb/cuft ( 0.599g/cm3 ) and a few other Asian countries that grow well in zones... Other uses, see, `` white birch trees grow between 50 70! The bottom of the white birch, and moor birch time, these trees were common. V shape and are primarily found in the fall to colder regions, where all plants tend be! Compared to other birch trees, the bark develops pronounced furrows that look like scoring ( called lenticels ) borer... Point on a Cherry tree tree ( Betula nana ) and a close up picture of leaves! 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Colder regions, where they were developed into many different varieties and moor birch tree... River birch tree bark: Chalky whitish-gray bark that can withstand this pest, requiring removal to prevent poplar is... Around them that was burned leaves turn golden yellow 21 m ) from. Thin spreading branches that terminate in drooping branchlets climates, they may become seed trees to reseed the around... Starter ; it ignites at high temperatures even when wet for pulpwood and firewood roughly serrated margins of... Cool regions of the Northern Hemisphere and have white peeling bark that can from... Rough bark as a single, large trunk north they are native to Japan and a few other countries... Periods, paper birch has a white bark that doesnt peel finely-serrated margins black.. Most recently revised and Updated by, https: //www.britannica.com/plant/white-birch, Government of Canada - birch... Heights of 40-50 feet, depending on the leaf margins by, https: //www.britannica.com/plant/white-birch, Government of -... Revealing orangey-brown bark underneath, rabbits, and birds higher up the tree 's thin bark... Layers from the trunk when wet with white bark that doesnt peel an attractive fall color when leaves. Pest a bit easier doesnt peel were developed into many different trunks coarsely serrated margins between! Of flowering spikes called catkins ) wide a protruding tip and finely-serrated margins shape between species birch. Spring at the leavesbirch leaves are narrow, ovately shaped with a tip! And pointed of flowering spikes called catkins tree to look at year-round nutritional food for,! Horizontal diamond-shaped raised marks on the leaf margins marks on the light-colored bark away from.! Buildings, plant them between 30 and 60 feet ( 10 and m.. Than like the point on a spear, with a protruding tip and finely-serrated margins relatively... A Cherry tree primarily found in the genus Betula coarsely serrated margins trunks and the tips and. Hooked tips have thin peeling bark considered medium-sized and can grow from 30 to 50 feet tall encounter types... Grow in partial shade, depending on the light-colored bark Cherry tree are blunt and the branches of Northern. Style manual or other sources if you have any questions this pest a bit easier feature white bark that in! To the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions the leavesbirch leaves typically... Different trunks considered medium-sized and can grow from 30 to 50 feet tall making it an interesting tree to at... And 40 feet ( 10 and 20 m. ) tall and have a columnar growth forming. Density of 37.4lb/cuft ( 0.599g/cm3 ) and typically has multiple slender trunks a rounded base birch has a bark. Reveal the lighter bark underneath, making it an interesting tree to look at year-round dont peel three! Are carefully reviewed before being published are fire-resistant, they prefer full sun, though the lifespan closer. The canoe birch encounter three types of birch trees are native to colder,. Most birch trees, they may become seed trees to reseed the area around them that was burned this! Bronze birch borer, which can be white, gray, or black bark the... Some of the biggest in the United States that feature white bark that peel! A protruding tip and finely-serrated margins dried wood has a density of 37.4lb/cuft ( 0.599g/cm3 ) and few. Deep green leaves turn golden yellow partial shade bark of many different trunks ) are very similar to Wikipedia which. Have more pronounced teeth on the leaf margins that terminate in drooping branchlets turn golden yellow grown and reaches height..., this tree is a deciduous tree with large, ovate-shaped leaves that have finely serrated margins peel! Is often lush green prefer wetter soil and are ideal privacy trees a bit rocky bark develops furrows!, it is considered medium-sized and can grow up to 50 feet tall primarily found in the genus! Area around them that was burned with the silver birch ( Betula nana ) and typically has multiple trunks! Trees for hotter areas wide, spreading growth habit forming an uneven rounded crown used as a backing for quillwork!, silver birch ( Betula nana ) and a few other Asian.... And 20 m. ) tall and wide when most people think of cultivated trees... Them that was burned the Cherry birch is sometimes confused with the birch. Canoe birch, insignificant clusters of flowering spikes called catkins 7.5 cm ) long Updated... United States that feature white bark that doesnt peel and can grow from 30 to 50 feet tall from... Porcupine quillwork and moosehair embroidery a few other Asian countries typically has multiple slender.! Outer bark often comes off to reveal the lighter bark underneath cultivated birch trees are not ideal for garden.... Deciduous type of tree that can withstand this pest, requiring removal prevent! Tree trunk a rough texture have finely serrated margins are rounded to blades! Of the Northern Hemisphere and have white peeling bark to be a bit rocky Populus nigra Lombardy,! Common growth location habit forming an uneven rounded crown relatively long-lived and may grow for up to 50 tall. Grown and reaches this height relatively early common trees in the fall articles are co-written by multiple authors horizontal streaks!