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Gray birch

Betula populifolia | Family: Betulaceae

submission: Chrissy McIntire

Identification:

Leaves—

green, sharp edges, wide with narrow tips

Twigs—

thin, brown

Flowers—

Insignificant

Fruit—

long, light green little pines

Bark—

smooth gray-white with dark patches

Hover over one of the descriptions to see an example.

picture of leaves picture of bark picture of twigs picture of fruit picture of flowers

 

Natural History:

Lifespan—

20 years

General description—

A small tree that is part of the greater birch family and can grow in cooler climates even in poor soil. Their brown bark turns white over time. Tolerant of hot summers and droughts and they lose their leave every season.

Natural distribution and habitat—

Native to North America (the Midwest) and usually found in the Northeast.

Conservation status—

able to survive growing in most soils.

Uses—

Wildlife feed on this tree. Used as ornamental trees.
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