Leaves are ovate-shaped with double-toothed margins. The weeping silver birch has glossy green leaves that turn a warm yellow in the fall. The silver birch has pendulous branches, giving the tree a weeping appearance. Weeping Silver Birch Tree (Betula pendula)
White birch leaves measure 1.2” to 2.4” (3 – 6 cm) long and up to 2” (5 cm) wide. Also, look for unevenly serrated margins. The triangular leaves have a rounded base and tapered tip. White birch tree leaves: Simple leaves are arranged alternately. The tree thrives in full sun and moist, damp ground. The white birch tree is a cold-hardy broadleaf tree that grows in USDA zones 2 through 9. However, it has smooth downy shoots.Ĭompared to other birch trees, the leaves of white birch have coarsely serrated margins. Other names for white birch tree include ‘downy birch,’ ‘hairy birch,’ and ‘moor birch.’ The white birch is sometimes confused with the silver birch ( Betula pendula). White birch (Betula pubescens) is a tree native to Europe. White birches have warm yellow fall colors. The slender white trunk has upright branches, giving the tree a columnar appearance. White birch trees grow between 30 and 65 ft. The white birch tree has ovate-shaped fuzzy leaves and white, thin, papery peeling bark. Additionally, birch is excellent firewood because it burns well even if damp. Wood from birch trees is used to make skateboards, plywood, and loudspeaker cabinets. White birch trees are also ornamental trees suitable for residential landscapes.īirch wood is also prized for its density and strength. You’ll also find clumping birch trees with multiple trunks growing together from the ground. The birch foliage tends to grow higher up the tree, revealing white-gray, red, or black bark. Some species of birch have slender, single trunks with irregular-shaped canopies.
Birch trees grow best in USDA zones 2 through 7. Birch is a short-lived tree that thrives in cold, northern climates where it grows in moist ground. There are between 30 and 60 birch ( Betula) species, with 18 being native to North America. Dwarf birch trees are small trees that don’t grow taller than 30 ft. (12 – 21 m) tall with canopies 35 to 60 ft. Birch trees typically grow between 40 and 70 ft. Birch trees belong to the genus Betula in the beech-oak family Fagales.