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Gray Birch (Betula populifolia)

The Gray Birch, scientifically known as Betula populifolia, is a deciduous tree native to North America. It's also commonly known as Oldfield Birch, Wire Birch, Poplar-leaved Birch, Fire Birch, Poverty Birch, or White Birch. In French, it is known as Bouleau a feuilles de peuplier, Bouleau gris, or Bouleau rouge.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Betula populifolia
• Family: Betulaceae (Birch Family)
• Synonyms: Betula populifolia Marsh.

Distribution and Habitat

• The Gray Birch ranges from southeastern Ontario east to Nova Scotia and south.
• It is common on poor, sandy soils and colonizes disturbed and harsh sites.
• It is particularly abundant in the lower Hudson Valley, where it grows chiefly on dry, gravelly soils.
• It is native to the northeastern United States and northeastern Canada (zone 3).

Ecological Role

• Gray birch is a pioneer species that can tolerate harsh conditions and colonizes open areas, including road cuts and burned areas.
• In the anthracite coal fields of eastern Pennsylvania, it is regarded by foresters as a valuable nurse tree.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Gray birch is a narrow, columnar, single- or multi-trunked tree, typically reaching 35-50 feet in height, or up to 30 feet as a small tree.
• It is a small, bushy tree with an open, conical crown of short, slender branches.
• The leaves are alternate, simple, pinnately-veined, triangular, and coarsely-toothed with a glossy-green appearance, turning yellow in the fall.
• Young Gray Birch trees have a chalky white bark that does not peel as they mature.
• Heartwood tends to be a light reddish-brown, with nearly white sapwood. Occasionally, figured pieces are available with a wide, shallow curl.