The distinctive white bark of birch trees makes them a popular ornamental or shade tree for landscaping. The birch tree is known for having thin bark that’s able to be torn in horizontal layers as thin parchment paper. It has thick resinous oil called secretion and leaves that are ovate shaped.
Habitat of Birch Trees
Birch trees belong to the genus Betula and include about 25 species of shrubs and trees all located in the northern hemisphere, according to 20-20.org.These trees are noted for being able to even live in Arctic latitudes. Although birch trees vary depending on their regions, they are all slender trees. They have delicate branches that aren’t strong enough for bird nests, although small finches have been known to make nests in these trees.
Size of Birch Trees and Lifespan
Birch trees are normally small to medium trees that grow between 40 and 50 feet tall, with most not exceeding 50 feet in height. Leaves of the tree are egg-shaped or elongated, although some species have more of a triangular shape. Healthy birch trees are known to live and thrive for 40 to 50 years, although it’s more common for birches such as the white-barked species to die well before they’re 20 years old.
Benefits of Birch Trees
In addition to beautifying a landscape, the bark of birch trees has several uses. The bark from birch trees is a common parchment material. The tree’s catkin are typically harvested when in boom and dried to be used in scenting a room or for burning a sweet aroma. These trees make ideal firewood because they’re slow burning. Sometimes they’re used in making a beer known as “birch beer” and some subspecies contain sap that’s used as a water source during droughts.
Types of Birch Trees
The white birch is the most common birch tree in North America. This birch tree is identified by its striking white trunk color. Other types of birch trees are found in colder regions of North America. The paper birch is known for its bark that easily peels off into sheets and is often used for borders. Yellow birches have yellow trunks and need full to sun to partial shade and do best in wet areas. Sweet birches are tall birches that make ideal shade trees. Some other types of birches include river birch, crimson frost birch and the American dwarf birch.
Symptoms of Iron Deficiency in Birch Trees
Birch trees can show symptoms of iron deficiency with the most common sign seen in the newly formed leaves of younger trees appearing pale green or yellow. A clear skeleton is seen when examining a leaf surface as leaf veins stay green, while the soft leaf tissue is yellow or pale green. New Leaves are completely yellow and smaller in severe cases of iron deficiency.
Finally, birch trees are enjoyed not only by gardeners but have been and continue to be the subject of writers and artists throughout history. Shakespeare referred to this tree is his work, “Measure upon Measure”. Artists often choose birch trees to paint or draw as the tree’s white bark makes a stunning contrast against its brightly colored fall foliage. In other words, these striking trees can be used for inspiration in painting and writing without going to the trouble of growing them.
Originally published on Suite 101.