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Betula is the botanical name for the relatively small family of the lovely and quite ornamental deciduous trees commonly called Birch. Although varying slightly in shape, size and growing habit all Birches share a few noticeable traits. Birch trees have thin, often peeling and at times very colorful bark, small pointed and serrated leaves, delicate looking seed capsules that dangle attractively off slender often twisting branches and they provide great appeal in the winter garden due to their striking silhouette. They also like full sun, have a penchant for moisture and have a tolerance of many types of soil.
As with everything dealing with the home landscape it is best to know which types of Birch are best suited to your particular yard. With this in mind let us take a closer look at the different types of Birch trees.
Black Birch (B. lenta)
Also going by the common names Sweet Birch and Cherry Birch, this native to the eastern United States is often found along the edge of wooded areas and are seldom sold for the home landscape. Many people who live in the country can tell this particular Birch apart from others due to its distinct sweet scent that some describe as being somewhat like wintergreen. It is this plant that had been used for hundreds of years in the home “brewing” of Birch beer. The flavor is much like root beer but some now claim it to be slightly toxic. Many, however, disagree. Those who like Birch beer and have been consuming it all their lives, we can presume.
Black Birch is hardy in USDA zones 3-7, grows 40-50 feet in height, has a rounded canopy and is rather long lived, up to 200 years. The bark is a dark, reddish brown which stands out nicely against the snow. The bright green foliage turns a brilliant yellow in autumn, the best coloring of all Birches. It likes full to partial sun and a moist yet well draining soil on the rich, slightly acidic side. Can live comfortably amongst evergreens.
River Birch (B .nigra)
Growing 40-70 feet high and 40-60 feet wide in sunny locations within USDA zones 4-9 River Birch is one of the most ornamental throughout the four seasons. In the winter landscape its exfoliating bark in a rich cinnamon color on mature trees and shows up well against snow. In summer the foliage is a deep, glossy green and the plentiful seeds bring in songbirds who love to nibble on them. In the young tree the smooth bark has a pink tint and the tree often forks to form a clump of trees but it can easily be trained to the single stem if desired. The most adaptable of Birches, River Birch tolerates both wet and dry conditions and poor soil.
Paper Birch (B. Papyrifera)
The state tree of New Hampshire, Paper Birch, easily distinguished by its smooth, startling white bark, gets its name from the fact its bark used to be used as paper. Its other common name is Canoe Birch for Native Americans’ use of its back in making the sturdy boats. Growing 50-70 feet tall with a 35 foot spread in USDA zones 2-7 this tree is a landscaper’s dream plant providing interest for all seasons. The leaves are a bit larger 2 to 4 inches long and a Tolerates most soils but prefers it acidic and moist though well drained. Its value for wildlife is immeasurable. Every single bit of this tree appeals to some flying, crawling or walking creature either for eating seeds, leaves and bark, sipping sap or making a their home in the tangled branches.
Young’s Weeping Birch (B. pendula “Youngii”)
The very pretty, graceful form and its relative small stature, only 30-40 feet tall with a 20 foot spread makes Young’s Weeping Birch perfect for the smaller yard. When young the golden brown branches grow upright but when mature they bend into the weeping form. The trunk is a creamy white with bands of black . The bark on older trunks can turn blackish gray at the base. The pointy leaves are diamond shaped, 2 and one half inches long and a glossy medium green. Hardy in USDA zones 3-8. Does not like hot, dry climates and needs water to thrive. Unfortunately this Birch is very susceptible to Bronze Birch Borer.
Japanese White Birch (B. platyphylla japonica)
Native to Japan this Birch grows swiftly 40-50 feet high. It has an open yet narrow canopy. The shiny, bright green leaves are 3 inches long and the bark, needless to say is white. The cultivar “Whitespire” is tolerant of heat and resistant to the dreaded Bronze Birch borer. Hardy in zones 5-9.
Monarch Birch (B. maximowicziana)
In the wild the Monarch Birch tree grows quickly 80 to100 feet high but is much smaller (only 40-50 feet tall) in cultivation or where water is lacking. It has a nice rounded canopy and flaking, orange-brown bark that eventually turns a grayish white at maturity. The dark green leaves are 3-6 inches long and turn a nice yellow for autumn. The catkins are 4-6 inches long and grow in clusters of 2-4. Likes full sun and can grow in most soils. Tolerates pollution making it good for the urban setting.
Birch trees in the home landscape can give year round enjoyment not just for the gardener but also the wildlife and even the neighbors. If there is a bare spot that would benefit from the addition of an attractive, ornamental tree consider a Birch.
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Author Bio Box: Glory Lennon
 Short Stories @ Helium: http://www.helium.com/users/32782/show_articles
How to create your own backyard bird sanctuary: http://www.helium.com/zone/2884-how-to-create-your-own-backyard-bird-sanctuary
Tree Zone: http://www.helium.com/zone/2774-
Shrub Zone: http://www.helium.com/zone/2881-
Violet’s in Bloom, a romance novel: http://www.helium.com/zone/3012-violet-in-bloom-a-romance-novel-by-glory-lennon
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