White birch (Betula populifolia, Arbust. Amer.: 19 (1785))

Family: Betulaceae

Author: Marshall

Bibliography: Arbust. Amer.: 19 (1785)

Year: 1785

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Betula

Vegetable: False

Observations: SE. Canada to NW. South Carolina

Description

The White birch, scientifically known as Betula populifolia, is a remarkable species within the Betulaceae family. This deciduous tree is notable for its distinctive appearance and adaptability to various environmental conditions.

Characterized by its striking white bark, which often peels in thin, papery layers, White birch trees are an elegant addition to any landscape. The leaves are typically triangular with serrated edges, providing a lush green canopy during the growing season before transforming into a brilliant yellow in the autumn. This seasonal color change makes the White birch a visually appealing option for gardens and natural spaces.

The White birch thrives across a wide geographical range, from the southeastern regions of Canada down to the northwestern parts of South Carolina. This adaptability showcases the tree’s hardiness and its ability to flourish in various climates, from colder northern regions to the relatively milder southern territories. Its capability to grow in such a diverse range of locations underscores its resilience and ecological significance.

The species was first described in detail in 1785 by Marshall in the publication “Arbust. Amer.: 19.” This historical account provides a foundation for understanding the botanical characteristics and classification of the White birch.

Ecologically, the White birch plays a critical role in its native habitats. It serves as a pioneer species, often being one of the first trees to colonize disturbed areas such as those cleared by fire or human activity. This quality aids in stabilizing the soil and creating a more hospitable environment for other species to follow.

In addition to its ecological importance, the White birch also holds aesthetic and practical value for humans. Its graceful form and attractive bark make it a popular choice for ornamental planting, while its wood, although not as durable as that of some other hardwoods, can be used for a variety of purposes, including the production of pulp and firewood.

Whether appreciated for its visual beauty, its ecological contributions, or its practical uses, the White birch is a versatile and significant species worthy of recognition and study.

Common Names

Eng: fire birch, gray birch, white birch, wire birch, grey birch, old field birch
Fra: bouleau gris, bouleau a feuilles de peuplier, bouleau rouge, bouleau à feuilles de peuplier
En: White birch, Gray birch, Fire birch, Wire birch, Old field birch, Grey birch
Zh: 灰樺
Nl: Grijze berk
Eo: Poplofolia betulo
Fi: Poppelikoivu
Fr: Bouleau gris, Bouleau a feuilles de peuplier, Bouleau rouge, Bouleau à feuilles de peuplier
De: Grau-Birke, Pappelblättrige Birke
Hu: Nyárlevelű nyír
Is: Blæbjörk
No: Gråbjørk
Ru: Берёза тополелистная
Tr: Boz huş, Kavak yapraklı huş
Uk: Береза тополелиста

Synonyms

• Betula populifolia f. incisifolia (Fernald)
• Betula alba var. populifolia ((Marshall) Spach)
• Betula lenta var. populifolia ((Marshall) Castigl.)
• Betula alba subsp. populifolia ((Marshall) Regel)
• Betula populifolia f. pendula ((Loudon) H.J.P.Winkl.)
• Betula populifolia f. purpurea ((Ellw. & P.Barry) C.K.Schneid.)
• Betula excelsa var. canadensis (Wangenh.)
• Betula populifolia f. laciniata ((Loudon))
• Betula populifolia purpurea (Ellw. & P.Barry)
• Betula populifolia var. purpurea ((Ellw. & P.Barry) Rehder)
• Betula populifolia var. pendula (Loudon)
• Betula cuspidata (Schrad. ex Regel)
• Betula populifolia var. laciniata (Loudon)

Distribution

• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Mar 1, 1990 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 13, 1990 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Habit

Taken Mar 13, 1990 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 29, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 14, 2019 by Serge Dupont (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 15, 2021 by Richard Bradshaw (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Leaf

Taken Sep 6, 2022 by jacob leu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 15, 2021 by Richard Bradshaw (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 17, 2022 by Se Ho (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 14, 2019 by Serge Dupont (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 11, 2020 by Nancy Clermont (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Sep 6, 2022 by jacob leu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 18, 2022 by alfonso martinez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 14, 2019 by Serge Dupont (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 17, 2022 by Se Ho (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 15, 2021 by Richard Bradshaw (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8184083)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:107861-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Betula populifolia Marshall)

Specifications

Growth form>: Thicket Forming

Growth habit>: Tree

Growth rate>: Rapid

Growth

Ph maximum: 6.5

Ph minimum: 3.5