Birch trees are adaptable and hardy trees that are a popular choice for gardeners and landscapers. Birch trees aren’t huge, they can grow to small to medium heights of up to 80 feet and come in many colors.

There are 18 species in North America of birch trees, but only a few species have white bark. Paper birch and silver Birch trees are the most common birch tree with pure white bark. Birch trees are white in color so that they can reflect sunlight when they are not active.

This article will discuss the various ways you can identify birch trees regardless of their bark color. Next, we will discuss the most common birch tree varieties and how to maintain them in your yard. Let’s get started!

Why Are Some Birch Trees White?

The answer lies in the distribution of birch trees across the country. Birch trees’ famous white color serves a purpose. It reflects light away from the tree and heats it.

White bark is a characteristic of birch trees. They are most common in North America. The warming of the bark of birch trees in winter can lead to internal temperature fluctuations and even degrading.

Temperature extremes, such as from extremely warm to very cold, can lead to internal deterioration in white-barked Birch trees. The light-colored and reflective bark protects them from winter injury. Interesting!

You can learn more about birch tree growing by reading our article 4 Reasons Birch Trees Can’t Grow in the Shade

Common White Birch Tree Varieties

Paper Birch Tree

The Paper Birch is the most well-known white-bark tree in North America. It grows in the central and northern regions of the country and has a beautiful, iconic bark.

The bark of this birch tree is actually dark when it is young. However, as it matures and becomes more robust, its bark turns whiter and starts to peel. Native Americans used the bark to make bark canoes.

Although this species can grow to up to 60 feet in height, it is very short-lived. Boring insects like the bronze-birch borer can attack paper birch trees. Landscapers often overlook this tree because of their vulnerability to pests and fungus. The bronze birch borer will be discussed at the end.

The bark of a paper-birch tree gives off a texture similar to paper, and it sheds over time. But, it is important to not remove birch bark too soon.

Silver Birch Tree

The Silver Birch Tree (also known as the White Birch Tree) is similar to the paper Birch Tree but it has a slightly weeping appearance. It doesn’t have any peeling bark and doesn’t look like a paper birch tree. Because of its beautiful appearance, and reputation for attracting wildlife to gardens, the Silver Birch Tree is often used as a shade tree in landscapes.

Silver birch is susceptible to certain fungi, making it less likely that the tree will be planted in yards.

We encourage you to call a local tree specialist if you notice any silver birch problems in your area. Many silver birch issues are not easily fixed.

Common Brown Birch Tree Variety

There are many birch tree types that are available in other colors than the familiar white. These birch tree varieties have thicker bark than the white-barked counterparts. They are also more resistant to certain environmental conditions.

River Birch Tree

The River Birch, also known by the Water Birch is a native of the Eastern United States. It can be found up to north Florida. River birch trees can be found close to water sources like rivers, swamps, floodplains and banks. This is one of the few heat-tolerant species of birch trees and can thrive in areas 6 and higher.

River birches can be grown in areas that require erosion control. It is able to tolerate a wide range of soil types, even those that are particularly acidic, unlike other hardwood trees.

Certain varieties of River Birch have lighter bark shades that can be used in landscapes and are resistant to the bronze Birch Borer.

River birches are a very popular tree for wildlife like songbirds, waterfowl and other types. They are used primarily as nesting areas in spring and summer.

The essential oils in the leaves and bark of river birches can also be used to make them. The essential oils found within the leaves and inner bark are well-known for their insecticidal as well as antibacterial properties.

North American Birch Tree Characteristics

North American birch trees are home to approximately 18 species. The characteristics of North American birch trees are similar, despite the differences in leaf and bark colors.

Birch trees, for example, are small to medium-sized, and can be found in meadowy, open, or grassy areas.

Birch trees, together with alders, poplars and willows, are known in forestry as “pioneer” trees. Because they are the first trees to colonize areas without vegetation, they have earned this nickname.

Birches can colonize areas such as abandoned farms, meadows and areas damaged by forest fires. These areas are prime areas for birch trees. These trees can also be found in small clumps of two to four trees. They are quick to establish forest canopies in these environments.

Birch Tree Leaves, Flowers, And Fruit

The best way to identify birch trees, is to pay attention to their leaves, flowers, and fruits.

Birch Tree Leaves

All birch trees, including those that are deciduous (they lose their leaves in late fall and winter), are deciduous. These trees are deciduous, meaning that they lose their leaves in the fall and winter. However, these leaves can be used to identify wild birch tree species.

Birch tree leaves have an egg-shaped shape with serrated and double toothed tips on the tips.

Birch Tree Flowers and Fruit

Before they bear their fruit, birch trees will produce long, slender flower clusters, better known as catkins. Samaras are flat fruits.

Samaras fruits are small, flat and winged. This allows them to be carried by wind for short distances . Birch trees can grow rapidly in ideal conditions due to the shape of their seeds.

Treatments And Management For Bronze Birch Borer Infestation

The bronze birch borer, a beetle species that feeds on all birch tree species, is an example of a species. An infestation may be characterized by a lack of foliage in spring and summer, dead branches at top of trees, and small D-shaped holes within the bark.

If you live near birch borers, fertilize your tree every year with this Purely organic Tree & Shrub Fertilizer. These fertilizer spikes can be used to fertilize your tree continuously for the next year. They are also very easy to put in.

Oregan State University states that birch trees should be assessed for signs of the beetle before you can save them. The tree can be saved if less than half of its canopy is affected.

This beetle larva infests the birch trees because they hide inside the trees and feed on the softwoods. Tree injection pesticides are the best method to eliminate this pest. These pesticides can only be purchased by licensed pest control companies.

We encourage you to get in touch with a local expert if you see this pest in your area.

That’s A Wrap!

There are many sizes and colors to choose from when it comes to birch trees. The most well-known species of birch tree is the paper birch, but birch tree bark can be found in many colors.

Birch trees of all species have some distinct characteristics.

• Birch tree leaves have egg-shaped tips.
• Birch trees, which are deciduous, lose their leaves in winter
• Birch trees can be a “pioneer” species and take over large areas. Wild birch trees will often be found growing in close proximity.
• Birch trees produce long, slender catkins when they bloom. These catkins turn into fruit called Samaras.

All the best with your tree identification endeavors!