Scientific Name: Betula populifolia
![Gray Birch](https://mdocs.skidmore.edu/crandallparktrees/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/BetualPopulifoliaTree.jpg)
Gray Birch
![Leaves](https://mdocs.skidmore.edu/crandallparktrees/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Betula_populifolia_leaves-150x150.jpg)
Leaves
![Bark](https://mdocs.skidmore.edu/crandallparktrees/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/BetulaPopulifoliaBark-150x150.gif)
Bark
Identification
- Gray Birch tree leaves are 2-3 inches long and grow in an elongated triangle shape. The leaves have serrated edges and are normally bright green in color. The leaves turn yellow in the Fall.
- Mature trees have smooth, grayish-white bark
- Young trees have reddish-brown bark.
- Smaller trees, usually only growing to about 30’ in height
- Several trunks can sprout from one root group, so the tree can sometimes appear like a small thicket
Status
- Native
Interesting Facts
- When an area suffers some sort of disturbance, such as logging, gray birch are often some of the first trees to come back
- Historically, Native Americans prized gray birches, using its bark as both a compress for wounds, and as building materials
- Many animals love to eat gray birches, such as porcupines, beavers, songbirds, bunnies, and deer
References
Gilman, H., Watson, D. (1993). Betula populifolia. Retrieved from http://hort.ufl.edu/database/documents/pdf/tree_fact_sheets/betpopa.pdf
Seiler, J., Jensen, E., Niemieria, A., Peterson, J. (2016). Gray Birch. Retrieved from http://dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrology/syllabus/factsheet.cfm?ID=16
Wennerberg, S. (2004). Gray Birch. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_bepo.pdf
Image Credits
Gray Birch: "Betula populifolia" by John Barber is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Leaves: "Betula populifolia leaves" by Richtid licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. Image cropped. Cropped image licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Bark: "Gray-Birch-Bark" by Homer Edward Price licensed under CC BY 2.0. Image cropped