SafePlants

Purpus' Birch (Betula × purpusii)

Betula × purpusii, commonly known as Purpus' birch, is a hybrid birch tree.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions catkins (the flowering spikes of birch) and small scales, which may present a choking hazard if ingested by pets.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions catkins (the flowering spikes of birch) and small scales, which may present a choking hazard if ingested by children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Betula × purpusii C.K. Schneid.
• Family: Betulaceae (Birch family)
• Genus: Betula (Birch)
• Rank: Hybrid
• Synonyms:
  • Betula murrayana B.V.Barnes &amp Dancik
  • Betula alleghaniensis × pumila Britton
  • Betula purpusii var. typica
• The plant is a hybrid of Betula allegheniensis (Yellow Birch) and Betula pumila (Bog Birch).

Distribution and Habitat

• Betula × purpusii has been collected across the southern Lower Peninsula of Michigan, north to Clinton County.
• It is rather common where both parent species (Betula allegheniensis and Betula pumila) occur together.

Morphological Characteristics

• It is considered more shrub-like than its parent, Betula allegheniensis.
• The tree typically grows to a height of 40 to 50 feet (12.20m to 15.20m) and a spread of 15 to 20 feet (4.60m to 6.00m).
• Leaves are usually over 3 cm long, widest above the base with a pointed tip.
• Fruit is borne in catkins at least 1 cm thick; scales have ascending lobes.
• The bark is grayish.

Quirky Facts

• Betula × sandbergii is distinguished from B. × purpusii by its lack of certain characteristics.

Additional Information

• The Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN) database managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service contains information about Betula × purpusii.
• Discover Life provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Betula purpusii.