Betula populifolia (Grey Birch)


Michael's Opinion

Easily identified due to the black triangular marks at the base of the branches. Not as showy as the traditional Paper Birch however well worth including in the landscape planting.

Botanical Information

FamilyBetulaceae
GenusBetula
Speciespopulifolia
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (deciduous)
OriginCanada and the United States of America.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone3 - 6
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone1a - 6a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH7 - H6
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)(-40) - (-18)
Temperature (°F)(-40) - 0
Height6-12 m
Spread3-6 m
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodMay

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionNarrow conical crown, multi stemmed and often planted as a “clump birch”. Overall fine textured. This species has been placed on the IUCN Red List as least concern.
ID CharacteristicLeaf tapers to a point, and may have minor damaged leaves. Black triangular patches on bark at branch bases. Tree is conical in shape.
ShapeConical.
PropagationCuttings taken in July treated with 50 ppm IBA for 6 hours rooted 30%. Seed needs to be cold stratified for 60 - 90 days, seed requires light during the germination process.
CultivationTransplant in spring. Does not do well soils. Will grow in sandy, rocky, gravelly sites and also heavier soils. Tolerates wet and dry conditions very well. Full sun but will develop chlorosis in extremely high pH soils.
PestsLeaf miner and cankers are most common. More resistant to bronze birch borer than other birch species.
Notable SpecimensWestonbirt, The National Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, England.
HabitatOccurs naturally in wet soil.
Bark/Stem DescriptionThin, smooth, reddish brown on young trunks becoming chalky white with prominent, triangular black patches below the bases of the branches. Looses colour quickly, becoming dirty gray, does not peel readily.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionImbricate, 6 mm in length, brown, smooth.
Leaf DescriptionAlternate, simple leaves that are 5 - 9 cm in length. Double serrate margins and long acuminate tip on ovate or triangular leaf. Leafs appear early and are dark green and glabrous.
Flower DescriptionStaminate 5 - 9 cm in length. Catkin borne singularly at the end of the branches and rarely in pairs.
Fruit DescriptionFlowering small nut (nutlet), borne in 1.9-3.2 cm in length. Cylindrical catkins.
Colour DescriptionDark glossy green in summer changing to yellow in autumn. Leafs are out early and provide a nice “spring green”.
Texture DescriptionBlooms in April, but catkins can be visible prior to bloom. Monoecious: Male and female catkins.

Photographs