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Cornell University

Species: Betula populifolia

(bet'you-lah pop-ue-li-fo'lee-ah)

Betula populifolia

Gray Birch; Poplar Birch; Old Field Birch; Poverty Birch; White Birch

Found on Course Walks

Birch, Larch, Magnolias and Nut Trees at Arboretum;
Birch, Larch, Magnolias and Nut Trees at Arboretum, Campus trees walk

Map of plant locations

(Plant location data may be incomplete)

In Collection(s):

Recommended Urban Trees Collection

Cultivars

'Royal Frost', 'Whitespire'

Ornamental Characteristics

Tree > 30 feet

20' - 40' (spread 10' - 20')

Deciduous

irregular narrow open form; usually multi-stem but can be single

Environmental Characteristics

Full sun

3b

Can tolerate acid to neutral soil (pH 5.0 to 7.4)

Adaptable to variety of soils (sand, rocky, gravel and heavy).

Consistently moist, well-drained soil; Occasional periods of dry soil
See graphic below

Insect Disease

leaf miner; cankers; bronze birch borer; chlorosis in high pH soils

Bare Root Transplanting

Moderately difficult

Other

native to North America, from Nova Scotia to Ontario, south to Delaware; transplant B & B in spring; good for naturalizing in difficult sites

Native Range Map

Native Range Map Image

Moisture Tolerance Graphic

Please view this page on a tablet or larger screen for the moisture graph

Moisture Tolerance

Moisture graphic
Occasionally saturated or very wet soil
Consistently moist, well-drained soil
Occasional periods of dry soil
Prolonged periods of dry soil
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