#79
Accession Number: 0079-0000
Common Name: Grey Birch
Latin Name: Betula populifolia
Family: Betulaceae (Birch Family)
Native Range: Eastern North America
Height: 20–40 feet
Spread: 10–20 feet
Bloom Time: April
Bloom Description: Yellowish (male) and green (female), not showy
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3
Light Preference: Full sun to part shade
Water Needs: Medium to wet
Notes: Works well to naturalize, in a rain garden; tolerates deer; winter interest
Description: Gray Birch is a short-lived, narrow, deciduous tree that typically appears in a multi-trunked form, but can also grow with a single trunk. It can grow in both dry and wet soils. It is known for characteristic chalky white bark with dark patches and long, pointed triangular leaves. Fall color is usually unremarkable. Tiny, rather insignificant flowers produce drooping cone-like fruits with numerous small winged (“propeller”) seeds that mature in late summer. While it thrives in cool, northern summers, it does poorly in heat and humidity. Trees weakened by summer heat stress and humidity can become much more susceptible to numerous insect pests and dieback.
