Etymology: Betula: ancient Latin name
Plants: perennial tree to 80' tall usually with several trunks and a spreading crown; bark creamy to silvery white, smooth, peeling in long pieces; dark, horizontal lenticels; branches hanging
Leaves: leaf widely oval to rhombic, edges coarsely to doubly, sharply toothed
Flowers: blooms in late spring
Fruits: cylindrical, erect to almost hanging fruit clusters; samara wings much wider than the body, widest near the center
Habitat: moist to dry; disturbed areas, roadsides, edges of bogs
Conservation Status: Introduced - escaped
Plants: perennial tree to 80' tall usually with several trunks and a spreading crown; bark creamy to silvery white, smooth, peeling in long pieces; dark, horizontal lenticels; branches hanging
Leaves: leaf widely oval to rhombic, edges coarsely to doubly, sharply toothed
Flowers: blooms in late spring
Fruits: cylindrical, erect to almost hanging fruit clusters; samara wings much wider than the body, widest near the center
Habitat: moist to dry; disturbed areas, roadsides, edges of bogs
Conservation Status: Introduced - escaped
Flora of North America: Flora of North America USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos University of Wisconsin - Green Bay: Trees: Photos, descriptions, information USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. Landscape Plants of the Upper Midwest; UW-Extension: Interactive guide providing information on cultivation including: soil, zone, growth rate, landscape uses, pruning, light requirements; with photos and Latin name pronounciation
Kurt Stüber
Robert R. Kowal