Etymology: Betula: ancient Latin name
Plants: perennial, to 65' tall tree often with several trunks and narrow crowns; bark dark reddish brown turning reddish white to tan or bronze with age, peeling in thin sheets; dark, horizontal lenticels
Leaves: Narrowly ovate to ovate with a short tip; edges with coarse or irregular double teeth, usually with a heart-shaped base; mostly hairy below
Flowers: catkin usually about 2" long; blooms in late spring
Fruits: cylindrical, hanging fruit clusters; samara wings wider than the body, widest near the top
Habitat: moist; rocky slopes, rich woods
Conservation Status: Native

Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 3 USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos University of Wisconsin - Green Bay: Trees: Photos, descriptions, information