This species has some resistance to bronze birch borers but it is still susceptible to injury. Betula populifolia is an important successional tree on burned, cleared, or abandoned land in the Northeast. Vegetatively propagated plants of this cultivar are considered to have better resistance to bronze birch borer than seed propagated plants, resulting in the use of the cultivar name 'Whitespire Senior' by some nurseries as a way of designating those plants which have been vegetatively propagated. Gray birch grows quickly to 20 to 30 feet tall and 15 inch trunk diameter, with an irregular open crown of slender branches. The tree often has multiple trunks branching off of an old stump. long, 11⁄4 to 21⁄2 in. The leaf blades are up to 3" long and 2" across; they are deltate in shape and doubly serrated along their their margins. The Gray Birch - Betula populifolia- Marshall, is most easily distinguished by it's triangular leaf with flattened base, elongated tip and doubly toothed margins.It is a deciduous tree that reached heights of about 40 feet. Birches are considered a "pioneer" species and, thus, tends to grow quickly when young. Suggested uses. The name 'Whitespire' was incorrectly assigned to Betula platyphylla. Read our Commitment to Diversity | Read our Privacy Statement. Discussion. There are currently no active references in this article. A genus of 35-100 species of trees, shrubs, and subshrubs; of subarctic and temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Betula populifolia 9 Mature bark creamy to silvery white, exfoliating as long strands; leaf apex acuminate; infructescence scales sparsely pubescent on adaxial surface; domesticated trees adventive or persisting after cultivation. It most often appears in a multi-trunked form, but also grows with a single trunk. Like other birches, it is best transplanted in the spring. Betula pendula: It is now assigned to Betula populifolia and the plants are often sold under the name 'Whitespire Senior' to avoid confusion. Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems: This cultivar can become stressed by summer heat and humidity. Accessed 2020-11-30. Betula populifolia 'Royal Frost' An excellent specimen tree with dark purple, glossy, pendulous foliage providing soft filtered shade in the landscape. This judgement applies to its behaviour in the British Isles; in its native climate its value as a garden tree may be greater. It is hardy to zone (UK) 4. leaves turn orange and red in autumn. It is native primarily from Southeastern Canada to Virginia, with a scattering of plants extending westward to Illinois. Looks great when planted against complementary foliage colours. 'Whitespire' was originally named as a cultivar of Betula platyphylla var. Male catkins 2 to 31⁄2 in. For information about how you could sponsor this page, see How You Can Help, Article from Bean's Trees and Shrubs Hardy in the British Isles. It is not recommended for planting south of USDA Zone 7. Although this gray birch has some susceptibility to aphids, birch skeletonizer and dieback, these problems are usually considered to be somewhat minor in comparison to the birch borer and birch leaf miner. Green female catkins are conelike 1/2" long, with 3-lobed scales. Ideally plant in fertile, moist soil in full sun or light shade but … Betula populifolia is a very common species in the northeastern portion of its geographic range. It does not kill the plant however; tends to be short lived; very prone to being bent over or snapped off by ice storms of heavy snows ; ID Features. A tree 20 to 40 ft high, with a rather thin, pyramidal head of branches, often pendulous at the ends; bark of the trunk grey-white, young shoots rough with many warts, not downy. During periods of drought when organic soils can become extremely dry, a hot, slow-moving ground fire can burn all the organic matter and consume the shallow roots, thus killing the tree [ 4 , 31 ]. SPECIES: Betula populifolia IMMEDIATE FIRE EFFECT ON PLANT : Gray birch is usually top-killed by low- to moderate-severity fires. Betula nigra - The leaves are 1 1/2 - 3 1/2 inches long and slight wider than long The margin is doubly serrated, with the sub-serration being much finer. Do not prune in winter or spring when the sap is running because it will bleed. Betula populifolia (Grey birch) will reach a height of 10m and a spread of 3m after 20-50 years.. a decoction has been used to treat bleeding piles. For copyright and licence information, see the Licence page. form a strategic partnership called N.C. Around 1993 this selection was renamed Betula populifolia ‘Whitespire’, unfortunately some nurseries still offer it as Whitespire Asian White Birch even when they have adopted the correct scientific name. Betula populifolia is an important successional tree on burned, cleared, or abandoned land in the Northeast. Generally growing in a multi trunk, curving or leaning fashion it makes for a beautiful focal point in both residential and commercial landscape settings. The simple leaves are alternate, singly or doubly serrate, feather-veined, petiolate and stipulate. Architectural, Banks and Slopes, Beds and borders, City, Cottage/Informal, Woodland. 3) Leaf type: simple Leaf margin: double serrate Leaf shape: ovate Leaf venation: pinnate Leaf type and persistence: deciduous Leaf blade length: 2 to 4 inches Leaf color: green Fall color: yellow It also tolerates poor soils. Foliage is often shiny. Betula populifolia-- Gray Birch Page 2 Crown density: open Figure 2. long, 1⁄4 in. Betula populifolia Marshall. The barkis chalky to grayish white with black triangular patches where branch meets trunk. To contact the editors: info@treesandshrubsonline.org. Accessed 2020-11-28. It is now assigned to Betula populifolia and the plants are often sold under the name 'Whitespire Senior' to avoid confusion. japonica 'Whitespire', Betula 'Penci-2' - Royal Frost ™, Betula utilis var. betula populifolia is a deciduous Tree growing to 12 m (39ft 4in) at a fast rate. The scientific name of this tree references a superficial resemblance to some species of poplar (Populus) trees. Includes Betula nigra 'BNMTF' Dura Heat™, Betula nigra 'Cully' Heritage™, Betula papyrifera - Paper Birch, Betula pendula 'Dalecarlica' - Cut-leaf Birch, Betula pendula 'Fastigiata', Betula pendula - Silver Birch, Betula platyphylla 'Fargo' Dakota Pinnacle™, Betula platyphylla var. The name 'Whitespire' was incorrectly assigned to Betula platyphylla.. NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to It occupies sterile and inclement regions, and is one of the first trees to find its way back to land stripped – either by man or by fire – of its original forest covering. Recommended citation'Betula populifolia' from the website Trees and Shrubs Online (treesandshrubsonline.org/articles/betula/betula-populifolia/). long-pointed triangular green leaves. The bases of these blades are broadly obtuse, while their tips are elongated and slowly tapering. It is closely related to Betula pendula Roth of Europe, B . This cultivar demonstrates good resistance to bronze birch borer (BBB). Leaf blade broadly ovate to deltate or rhombic with 5--18 pairs of lateral veins, 3--10 × 3--8 cm, base truncate to cuneate, marginally coarsely, irregularly, or sometimes obscurely doubly serrate, apex abruptly long-acuminate; surfaces abaxially glabrous or … Scrapings of the inner bark have been used to treat swellings in infected cuts. Shiny 1.5"- 3" long 2"-3" wide, alternate, simple leaves ovate to triangular-ovate, unequally serrate to doubly serrate. N.C. Recommended citation 'Betula populifolia' from the website Trees and Shrubs Online (treesandshrubsonline. org/ articles/ betula/ betula-populifolia/). There are no known threats that are or will adversely affect this species in the foreseeable future. Herb: Grey Birch Latin name: Betula populifolia Family: Betulaceae (Birch Family) Medicinal use of Grey Birch: The bark is astringent. They are dark green and glabrous above and paler below, with a coarsely serrated margin. Betula populifolia Gray birch A conical to somewhat irregular, small to medium, short-lived tree with grayish white bark that has prominent black triangular patches where lateral branches originate. Images of the Gray Birch (Betula populifolia), including photos of the leaf, flower, fruit, seed, petiole, bark, and tree. It has little to recommend it for gardens except its interest, having no merit that our native birch does not possess in higher degree. This tree is noted for (1) its non-peeling chalky white bark with dark chevron trunk patches appearing below each branch base an… The species is noted for its non-peeling chalky white bark and its long-pointed triangular green leaves. Ovate nuts, 1.2-2.2 mm long, puberulous, wings 1.5-2 times wider, ripen fall-spring. Leafsnap is an electronic field guide for tree … Betula populifolia: leaf blades long tapering to the apex, with 5-7 pairs of lateral veins, and fruiting catkins solitary or infrequently paired (vs. leaf blades pointed at the apex but not long-tapering, with mostly 9-12 pairs of lateral veins, and fruiting catkins occurring 2-4 together). Fruiting catkins 3⁄4 to 11⁄4 in. (1997) p 59 Parts Shown: Bark, Habit, Leaf Photo neoalaskana of the Northwest, and several Asian taxa. This plant has many benefits including ease of transplant, that it casts light shade, and tolerates heat, wind, deer, and drought. The species, Betula populifolia , or gray birch, is a short-lived, narrow-columnar, suckering, deciduous tree … Plants stressed by insects seem more susceptible to cankers. They often appear in pairs, but these pairs are really borne on spur-like, two-leaved, lateral branchlets. The leaves are 5-7.5 cm long by 4–6 cm wide, alternately arranged, ovate, and tapering to an elongated tip. It needs little pruning, but if necessary, you can prune during the dormant season. It will self-seed and form an attractive stand of trees. diameter; scales downy, with the side lobes broader and more rounded than the middle one. It is short-lived, but according to Sargent performs a valuable function in acting as a nurse for the seedlings of more durable trees. The plant performs best in cool northern climates where summer temperatures rarely exceed 75 degrees F. and where shallow root systems are generally covered with snow throughout the winter. Betula papyrifera: leaf blades pointed at the apex but not long-tapering, with mostly 7-9 pairs of lateral veins, and fruiting catkins occurring 2-4 together (vs. B. populifolia, with leaf blades long tapering to the apex, with 5-7 pairs of lateral veins, and fruiting catkins solitary or infrequently paired). 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. Drooping cone-like fruits contain numerous small winged seeds that typically mature in late summer. Betula populifolia Gray birch Culture: Gray birch is tolerant of poor soils and may develop chlorosis on high pH soils. Unlike many varieties of Birch, the Japanese Gray Birch is somewhat resistant to bronze birch borer. Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). Leaves broadly ovate or triangular, broadly wedge-shaped or truncate at the base, drawn out at the apex into a long, slender point; 2 to 31⁄2 in. gray birch Betulaceae Betula populifolia Marshall symbol: BEPO Leaf: Alternate, simple, pinnately-veined, triangular with a very elongated acuminate tip, 2 to 3 inches long, doubly serrate margin, green above and paler below. Japanese Gray Birch grows best in medium to wet, well-drained, sandy or rocky loams in full sun to part shade. (2019) p 191-92 Parts Shown: Leaf, Habit Photo Dirr, Michael A. Dirr's Hardy Trees and Shrubs. Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and veteran status. It is most easily confused for the paper bi… Keep the root zones cool and moist and consider using soaker hoses and bark mulches. It is native primarily from Southeastern Canada to Virginia, with a scattering of plants extending westward to Illinois. In optimum growing conditions, plants will easily spread by suckers. Noteworthy Characteristics. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[338. wide; glabrous and shining on both surfaces, glandular above; veins in six to nine pairs; leaf-stalk slender, dotted with black glands, 3⁄4 to 1 in. The longer stalk and drawn-out apex of the leaf, and the absence of down from the younger parts, amply distinguish it. Betula populifolia, commonly called gray birch, is a short-lived, narrow-columnar, suckering, deciduous tree that typically grows to 20-40 tall. birch leaf miner is very disfiguring to the foliage and major limitation. Yellow-brown male catkins appear in fall, remaining on tree through winter and opening in spring. Tiny monoecious flowers appear in early spring in separate catkins on the same tree: yellowish-brown male flowers in single catkins (to 4” long) at the branch tips and greenish female flowers in smaller, upright catkins (to 1/2” long). Growth rate: medium Texture: fine Foliage Leaf arrangement: alternate (Fig. Fire Effects Information System (FEIS) Article for Betula populifolia ... Leaves are doubly-serrate, with larger points where the veins meet the leaf margin, and smaller serrations in between these points. Best foliage colour is achieved in full sun. Native of eastern N. America; introduced in 1750. Watch for leaf spot problems. However, it does not tolerate dry soils and has shallow roots. : Betula occidentalis - The leaves are smaller than other Beech species, only 1-2 inches long and almost as wide, giving the leaf a rounded triangular shape. The cultivar, 'Whitespire', is best known for its upright form, non-exfoliating white bark, dark green leaves and attractive yellow fall color. It is closely related to Betula pendula Roth of Europe, B. neoalaskana of the Northwest, and several Asian taxa. Betula is Latin for birch and describes a genus of about 60 species of deciduous trees and shrubs found in many gardens and landscapes throughout the northern hemisphere. Cooperative Extension, which staffs local offices in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. A site produced by the International Dendrology Society. The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. A tree 20 to 40 ft high, with a rather thin, pyramidal head of branches, often pendulous at the ends; bark of the trunk grey-white, young shoots rough with many warts, not downy. Smooth, non-peeling, chalky white bark even through maturity someitmes with a tinge of pink marked with black triangles. The species, Betula populifolia, or gray birch, is a short-lived, narrow-columnar, suckering, deciduous tree that typically grows to 20-40’ tall. It typically occurs in both dry and wet soils. Non-showy flowers, unisexual, catkins. acuminate leaf tips; black triangular patches on … Cultivation. Betula populifolia: Gray Birch 2 Crown shape: upright/erect, pyramidal Crown density: open Growth rate: moderate Texture: fine Foliage Leaf arrangement: alternate (Fig. Birch species are generally small to medium-sized trees or shrubs, mostly of northern temperate and boreal climates. It seems to tolerate drier soils in its native range. long. The grey birch in its own region plays much the same part as its ally the white birch does in Europe. Betula is Latin for birch and describes a genus of about 60 species of deciduous trees and shrubs found in many gardens and landscapes throughout the northern hemisphere. Betula L. (Betulaceae). Leaf miners are a problem on gray birch. However, it is susceptible to leaf miner. Section Betula (including the natives B. populifolia, B. papyrifera, and B. cordifolia) is widely distributed in the northern hemisphere.Section Costatae (including B. alleghaniensis, B. lenta, B. nigra, and B. uber) occurs in e. long. Shaded area represents potential planting range. japonica when introduced into commerce in 1983, but that designation was subsequently changed when it was determined 'Whitespire' was in fact a gray birch. Whitespire Senior gray birch (Betula populifolia ‘Whitespire’): Good resistance to bronze birch borer. It is in flower in April, and the seeds ripen in September.