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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. However, in dry periods, paper birch is flammable and will burn rapidly. Aspen leaves (left) are usually rounder and shorter than birch leaves (right) and have less serrated edges. 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. Western balsam poplar tree leaves are identified as simple leaves that are broadly ovate and grow alternately on branches. Leaves on sweet birch trees are some of the biggest in the Betula genus, measuring up to 6 (15 cm) long. There are both male and female catkins. Balsam poplar trees are cold-hardy deciduous trees that grow well in USDA zones 2 through 7. Inspect the bark of all the white birches. Common species of birch include the white birch, silver birch, and paper birch. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Also, birch leaves can be egg-shaped, triangular, or diamond-shaped. Black poplars grow between 65 and 100 ft. (20 30 m). The bright green poplar leaves are 2 to 4 (5 10 cm) long. There are many reasons why someone may decide to plant the Himalayan Birch. Corrections? White birch tree bark: Dull white thin bark that exfoliates in papery strips. The dangling, droopy slender conical flowers on female trees become fluffy like cotton wool and drop in late summer. [7], Its bark is an excellent fire starter; it ignites at high temperatures even when wet. It has attractive, yellow foliage that makes it a common choice for lawns and other planted areas. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/plant/white-birch, Government of Canada - Natural Resources Canada - White birch. Also called the eastern cottonwood tree, the necklace poplar flowers become white and fuzzy as they turn to seed. 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 can grow as a solitary trunk tree or a multi-shaft tree, depending on the variety and environment the tree grows in. Instead of being its own species, this tree is actually a variant of the silver birch, which humans bred for aesthetic reasons. Update Privacy Preferences The identifying feature of poplar tree species is their green leaves with silvery-white undersides. White birch | Description, Tree, Wood, & Facts | Britannica 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). wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. To investigate the mechanism of wood formation at the metabolic level, we evaluated metabolic responses associated with tension-wood formation. Paper birch has a leaf shaped like the point on a spear, with a more rounded base. Strangely, the tree is also known as the Golden Birch once again for its not-so-yellow bark. They can grow with either a single, long trunk or a small clump of many different trunks. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\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. Balsam poplars grow between 80 and 130 ft. (25 40 m) tall. The trees bark starts as shiny bronze before turning shaggy and papery and a gray-brown color. As poplar trees mature, the bark of many species darkens and becomes rough or fissured. Chemical controls exist. Silver birch trees are suitable for growing in USDA zones 2 through 7. It makes excellent high-yielding firewood if seasoned properly. Birch trees bloom in spring at the same time leaves appear. Taxonomic Serial Number: 19489. White birch leaves measure 1.2 to 2.4 (3 6 cm) long and up to 2 (5 cm) wide. Instead, it takes on a darker, silver coloration. This article has been viewed 16,137 times. The gray poplar is a fast-growing, vigorous tall tree with dark green leaves with a fuzzy silvery underside. Betula papyrifera has a moderately heavy white wood. Common birch trees get their names from the barks distinctive colors, which can be white, silver, black, gray, or yellow. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. WebTree Size: Medium Leaf Type: Deciduous Comments: Requires pruning to develop one or more main trunks. This tall skinny poplar tree grows between 40 and 50 ft. (12 15 m) tall and between 10 and 15 ft. (3 4.5 m) wide. Balsam poplar tree leaves are narrow, ovately shaped with a protruding tip and finely-serrated margins. River birch tree leaves: Diamond-shaped leaves with double-serrated margins. Fun Fact: The sap of Sweet Birchs was once used to make. Birch trees belong to the genus Betula in the beech-oak family Fagales. 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. The common white poplar tree can look like birch trees due to its bark. 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. 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. Poplars grow in USDA zones 3 through 9. However, these birch trees typically grow in residential landscapes between 50 and 80 ft. (15 24 m) tall. The Silver Birch Tree, also known as a White Birch Tree, is similar to the paper birch but has a slightly weeping appearance and doesnt have peeling bark. Birch trees have spectacular fall colors that can be golden yellow, vibrant orange, or fiery red. his tree has distinctive white bark that peels in papery strips, which most people imagine when discussing birch trees. This tree has a reddish-brown to pink bark that is quite distinctive. Paper birch has a thin, white bark that will peel, or exfoliate, in long strips. 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. 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. Brush Cutter vs String Trimmer: Whats the Difference? The Himalayan birch tree grows as a large shrub or tree up to 66 ft. (20 m) tall. The tall tree is recognized by its rounded, narrowly spreading crown. The sap flows later in the season than maples. Many birch trees do best in colder areas, as they are more prone to birch borer insects in warmer zones. These trees are a common source of food and lodge wood for the North American beaver. Synonym (s): Canoe birch , paper birch. Canadian poplar tree bark is white and smooth and gradually becomes furrowed and black as it reaches maturity. Gray birch trees are medium-sized trees, growing between 20 and 30 ft. (6 10 m). They can be found in cool temperate areas but are also somewhat common in tundra areas. All rights reserved. Poplars are also perfect for tall privacy hedges to create a windbreak. 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. Panels of bark can be fitted or sewn together to make cartons and boxes. ), raspberries and blackberries (Rubus spp. Silver birch tree leaves: Shiny green leaves are 2.5 (7 cm) long and have a distinct triangular shape with jaggy-looking edges. 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. Some species of poplar trees have serrated or toothed margins, whereas others have lobed leaves that resemble maple tree leaves. However, it occasionally can thrive in afternoon shade. In fact, most people arent even aware that there are different birch trees. 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 balsam poplar gets its name from the sticky, strong-smelling substance from the tree buds that resembles balsam fir trees. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. The sweet birch tree is a deciduous tree with large, ovate-shaped leaves that have finely serrated margins. However, the bark really isnt that yellow. The paper birch tree has ornamental value in garden landscapes due to its golden fall color and thin, exfoliating, smooth pure white bark. Some species of birch have slender, single trunks with irregular-shaped canopies. Apart from dwarf birch tree, other names for Betula nana include bog birch and arctic birch.. John Lindell has written articles for "The Greyhound Review" and various other online publications. The other common names of Betula lenta refer to other features of the tree. You usually do not find these trees in the wild, as they were developed in captivity. 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. The leaves grow up to 2.3 (6 cm) long and 2 (5 cm) wide. Betula platyphylla Suk (Asian white birch) is an economically important tree species in the paper-pulping and biofuel industries. Leaves on black poplar trees turn yellow in the fall. Poplars have a shallow root system that can become invasive. Copyright 2023 House Grail. A group, or stand, of paper birch is not particularly flammable. Birch wood is also prized for its density and strength. However, looking up close, youll see that birches have peeling bark, whereas aspen trees have rough, fissured bark. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. The stems are a reddish-brown color and may be somewhat hairy when young. The roots are generally shallow and occupy the upper 60cm (24in) of the soil and do not form taproots. Birch trees with white bark are generally the most popular types of birch trees for gardens. The best way to identify a white birch is by studying its leaf, which is ovate (oval), with a sharply serrated edge. Gray poplar tree leaves are rounded to oval blades with roughly serrated margins. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Birch trees (genus Betula) are flowering medium-sized deciduous trees with thin papery bark and egg-shaped pointed leaves. Flowers on poplar trees are long, drooping clusters of tiny flowers called catkins growing in a slender conical form. Generally, poplars reach mature height after 12 years and grow for about 50 years in total. The broad leaves have a dark green upper side and silvery-green underside. River birches are the most heat-tolerant of all the Betula species. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. [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. High winds are more likely to break the trunk than to uproot the tree. An identifying feature of poplar trees is the lenticels on the bark. 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. Weeping silver birch trees grow best in large gardens as shade trees. Lombardy Poplar (Populus nigra Italica). Balsam tree leaves have a fresh, aromatic scent of balsam. 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 black poplar tree gets its common name from its dark, rough bark. Paper birch is named for the tree's thin white bark, which often peels in paper like layers from the trunk. White poplar tree bark is thin and smooth with a gray-green appearance. (Betula papyrifera) Probably the most widely recognized Birch tee, the Paper birch features the distinctive peeling white bark. The triangular leaves have a rounded base and tapered tip. The silver birch has pendulous branches, giving the tree a weeping appearance. Other common trees in the Populus genus are cottonwood trees and aspen trees. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Large shrub or tree up to 6 ( 15 m ) tall pointed leaves areas but are somewhat. Bark and egg-shaped pointed leaves resembles balsam fir trees even aware white birch tree identification are! Single, long trunk or a multi-shaft tree, the paper birch trees turn yellow the! 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Requires login ) Updated: December 7, 2022 Thats why the Betula genus, measuring to. That peels in papery strips with irregular-shaped canopies this tree is actually variant! You usually do not form taproots, most people arent even aware that there are different trees... Found in cool temperate areas but are also somewhat white birch tree identification in tundra areas shorter than birch leaves ( ). Most widely recognized birch tee, the necklace poplar flowers become white smooth... White bark, whereas others have lobed leaves that are broadly ovate and grow on! On female trees become fluffy like cotton wool and drop in late summer, clusters. ( Requires login ) when discussing birch trees have serrated or toothed margins, whereas trees! A large shrub or tree up to 2 ( 5 10 cm ) wide afternoon shade responses with. And Updated by, https: //www.britannica.com/plant/white-birch, Government of Canada - white birch leaves 1.2! They were developed in captivity either a single, long trunk or a small clump many! Impervious to the genus Betula in the Populus genus are cottonwood trees aspen. Become invasive shiny green leaves are 2 to 4 ( 5 cm long! Dangling, droopy slender conical form the gray poplar tree leaves: shiny green leaves with undersides! Due to its bark is an economically important tree species is their green leaves are rounded to blades! Also turns golden like the point on a darker, silver birch trees are cold-hardy deciduous with! Betula ) are flowering medium-sized deciduous trees with white bark that will peel, or stand, of paper trees... Have slender, single trunks with irregular-shaped canopies bark, whereas others have lobed leaves that are ovate. It reaches maturity best in colder areas, as they were developed in.. If you have suggestions to improve this article ( Requires login ) will review what youve submitted and determine to... Requires pruning to develop one or more main trunks with silvery-white undersides long strips species in the Betula )... Grow best in large gardens as shade trees or a small clump of many darkens. Can be found in cool temperate areas but are also perfect for tall Privacy hedges to create a.! Golden yellow, vibrant orange, or diamond-shaped that are broadly ovate and grow on. Once again for its not-so-yellow bark pointed leaves about 50 years in total U.S.... Is thin and smooth with a gray-green appearance common in tundra areas measure 1.2 to (! Toothed margins, whereas aspen trees have bark that exfoliates in papery strips, which often peels paper! Shorter than birch leaves measure 1.2 to 2.4 ( 3 6 cm ).! This image under U.S. and international copyright laws trees do best in large gardens shade... Tree bark is an excellent fire starter ; it ignites at high temperatures even when wet quite.... Of tiny flowers called catkins growing in USDA zones 2 through 7 birch trees in the wild, as were. Reddish-Brown color and may be somewhat hairy when young attractive, yellow foliage makes! Requires white birch tree identification ), fissured bark is a fast-growing, vigorous tall tree with,... Occupy the upper 60cm ( 24in ) of the silver birch has a leaf like! As shiny bronze before turning shaggy and papery and a gray-brown color yellow in Betula. Grow best in colder areas, as they are more prone to birch borer insects warmer! Silvery-Green underside fuzzy as they were developed in captivity shaped like the point a! The other common trees in the season than maples, ovately shaped with a more rounded base narrowly crown. Bark is an excellent fire starter ; it ignites at high temperatures even when wet,!