They are native to colder regions, where all plants tend to be a bit smaller. The weeping silver birch has glossy green leaves that turn a warm yellow in the fall. "National Audubon Society Field Guide to Trees;" Elbert Little; 2008. You may encounter three types of birch trees in the United States that feature white bark. All of these trees have the Yellow birch tree bark: The bark is a polished brown color when young and turns a silvery-gray color as it matures. Where do white birch trees grow in the US? Native birches live in temperate or boreal climates across the northern part of North America. Paper birch (B. papyrifera), the white-barked tree used widely by trading native nations and Voyageurs, grows from Alaska to Maine, but only as far south as the mountains of Virginia, Tennessee and Oregon. Its leaf blades measure 2 to 4 (5 10 cm) long, are dark green on the top and white underneath. White poplar tree leaves have three to five lobes and unevenly serrated margins. Western Balsam Poplar (Populus trichocarpa). References. The tall tree is recognized by its rounded, narrowly spreading crown. Fun Fact: The Sweet Birch has been used to imitate mahogany, but now is used as itself. 12 Popular Types of Birch Trees (Identification Guide) - Houmse Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. This type of birch tree can be as tall as 100 feet. Youll find that poplar roots can disturb lawns and push up pathways. Yellow birches have year-long seasonal interest thanks to the beautiful bark, large pointed leaves, and bright fall colors. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. The flowers from white poplar trees also become fluffy and cotton-like, making these poplars a messy tree species. The black poplar tree is a large deciduous, broadleaved tree with triangular shiny green leaves with finely toothed margins and elongated tips. Fun Fact: The sap of Sweet Birchs was once used to make. Fascinated by all sort of tools, Pete loves reading and writing about all the latest gadgets and accessories that hit the market. Other names for white birch tree include downy birch, hairy birch, and moor birch. The white birch is sometimes confused with the silver birch (Betula pendula). [15] Although paper birch does not have a very high overall economic value, it is used in furniture, flooring, popsicle sticks,[16] pulpwood (for paper), plywood, and oriented strand board. These dark-colored lenticels look like horizontal scores or rough growth. The roots are generally shallow and occupy the upper 60cm (24in) of the soil and do not form taproots. The broad leaves have a dark green upper side and silvery-green underside. [5] As the bark is flammable, it often will burn and may girdle the tree. The trees bark starts as shiny bronze before turning shaggy and papery and a gray-brown color. White Birch (Betula papyrifera) This versatile species is common in the Northeast. A strong, flexible white birch tree can live for 80 to 140 years. Sometimes referred to as Canoe Birch, Silver Birch, or Paper Birch, this tree is clearly identified by its papery white, peeling bark. Plus, they are resilient to the bronze birch borer, which tends to decimate other birch species. WebThe white birch tree has oval leaves marked by rather pronounced teeth on their margins while the sweet birch comes with oblong leaves. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Betula papyrifera (paper birch, also known as (American) white birch and canoe birch ) is a short-lived species of birch native to northern North America. Paper birch has a leaf shaped like the point on a spear, with a more rounded base. WebWhite Birch (GC6PQ65) was created by K.E.T. This article examines the identifying features of Populus species with the name poplar in its common name. They are single-stemmed trees with bark that peels in narrow, horizontal strips. Dwarf birch trees are well-suited to arctic conditions and thrive in USDA zones 1 through 8. Gray birch bark doesnt peel, and the leaves have longer pointed tips than paper birch trees. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. While this species is technically a type of birch tree, it looks more like a shrub than a tree. However, most species of birch trees have exfoliating pure white bark that peels off in strips. Western balsam poplars grow between 100 and 165 ft. (30 50 m) tall. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Their white coloration sets them apart from most other types of trees. They do need full sunlight to grow, though, so they arent a good choice for wooded areas. The lightweight seeds are easily carried by the wind to burned areas, where they quickly germinate and grow into new trees. Paper birch tree bark: Shiny white bark that peels in strips revealing orangey-brown bark underneath. There are also some that are able to grow in soil that is too poor for other species. This tree is quite unaffected by the bronze birch borer, so it is often used as an alternative to the silver birch, which we discussed earlier. In fall, birch leaves turn spectacular shades of yellow, red, and orange. Dark green birch leaves turn bright yellow with hints of lime green in fall. Fun Fact: White Birchs bark used to be to make bowls, spoons, shoes, and made brooms from twigs. The best way to identify a white birch is by studying its leaf, which is ovate (oval), with a sharply serrated edge. For other uses, see, City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks. Aspen tree trunks (left) are very similar to birch trunks (right). wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2014: e.T194502A2342659. Flowers on poplar trees are long, drooping clusters of tiny flowers called catkins growing in a slender conical form. Strangely, this tree is also called bog birch, though it is a different species from the bog birch we discussed previously. Birch trees are a great option for cooler climates, especially in areas that are particularly wet. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool . C2 , NA2. You can expect these poplars to live for between 70 and 100 yearsmuch longer than the standard 20 or 30 years for most poplars. However, try not to peel the bark off living white birches; this could ultimately harm the health of the tree. Unlike other birch trees, older trees develop hard, deeply-fissured bark with irregular scaly plates. All poplar species are fast-growing trees that you will find growing in deciduous forests, as ornamental trees in parks or residential landscapes. [6], Paper birch is a typically short-lived species. Its important to remember that tulip poplars or yellow poplars dont belong to the poplar genus Populus. The bark and leaf shape are the best ways to identify species of birch trees. The Japanese white birch thrives in zones 4 through 7. Of course, if one tree finds itself in a forgotten garden and reproduces, you may find these trees in some strange areas. Like all poplars, the balsam poplar thrives in damp, well-draining soil and full sun. As the birch tree matures, the bark becomes reddish-brown and peels, revealing orangey flakes of bark. The deciduous trees prefer full to partial sun and growing in well-draining ground. [6] Paper birch grows best in USDA zones 26,[6] due to its intolerance of high temperatures. All rights reserved. Birch tree flowers are small, insignificant clusters of flowering spikes called catkins. Birch trees bloom in spring at the same time leaves appear. Generally, it is considered medium-sized and can grow from 30 to 50 feet. John Lindell has written articles for "The Greyhound Review" and various other online publications. The bark peels in thin sheets, revealing pinkish bark underneath. Also called the eastern cottonwood tree, the necklace poplar flowers become white and fuzzy as they turn to seed. In the spring, male Canadian poplar trees produce red flowers on long drooping catkins. As the founder of House Grail, Pete's primary goal is to help consumers make educated decisions about DIY projects at home, in the garage, and in the garden. There are many different kinds of weeping birch trees, as different varieties were bred in different areas. Betula glandulosa leaves have longer petioles, Himalayan birch tree (Betula utilis) and leaves. Four-year-old trees were subjected to artificial bending treatment for 6 They need a wide-open space to grow properly. Birch trees thrive in temperate climates, and especially next to rivers and lakes where the moist and well-draining soil conditions suit them. Estimate the sizes of the white birch trees you discover. It grows to between 30 and 60 feet (10 and 20 m.) tall and wide. Leaves are light green and turn red in the fall. Generally, poplars reach mature height after 12 years and grow for about 50 years in total. AN ELITE CAFEMEDIA LIFESTYLE PUBLISHER. The Native Americans historically used this tree to make valuable products, including their canoes and even footwear. Black poplars are also flowering trees. They can grow in soils that other trees cannot. In Alaska, paper birch often naturally grows in pure stands by itself or with black or white spruce. High elevation stands are also in mountains to North Carolina, New Mexico, and Colorado. Fun Fact: The small twigs are edible and sweet. White birches have warm yellow fall colors. Unlike white poplars, Lombardy poplars have an attractive fall color when the leaves turn golden yellow. Balsam poplar trees are cold-hardy deciduous trees that grow well in USDA zones 2 through 7. Lombardy poplar tree leaves are deltoid (triangular) shaped with a pointed tip and finely-toothed blade margins. They prefer full sun, though they can also grow in partial shade. [17] B. papyrifera is more resistant to the bronze birch borer than Betula pendula, which is similarly planted as a landscape tree. The simple leaves are arranged alternately on branches. Generally, it is considered medium-sized and can grow from 30 to 50 feet. The bright green poplar leaves are 2 to 4 (5 10 cm) long. Some birch trees have bark that also turns golden like the leaves. However, there are quite a few subspecies of birch trees, though some are much more common than others. Birches also feature a wider range of bark colors compared to poplars. The Cherry Birch is a relatively large tree that grows as a single, large trunk. Latin name: Betula papyrifera Marsh. a medium to large tree with white bark and thin spreading branches that terminate in drooping branchlets. White poplar tree leaves are simple, alternately arranged lobed leaves that look like maple leaves. Also, birch leaves can be egg-shaped, triangular, or diamond-shaped. [7], Its bark is an excellent fire starter; it ignites at high temperatures even when wet. The lower branches tend to droop down, giving the lower part of the tree a slightly weeping appearance. Cherry birch and mahogany birch because of the way the bark looks on mature birch trees. Due to its aggressive and robust root system, its best to plant this poplar species away from buildings. However, this species is very susceptible to the bronze birch borer, so it is slowly being phased out. Also called the Asian white birch, the Betula platyphylla has grayish-white bark, spreading branches, and yellowish-green triangular leaves with tapered tips. Like the white poplar species, the black poplar male tree produces red flowering catkins, and the female trees have yellowish-green ones. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. Youll also find clumping birch trees with multiple trunks growing together from the ground. The sweet birch tree is a deciduous tree with large, ovate-shaped leaves that have finely serrated margins. The tallest of these three types in the wild is the paper birch, a tree that can exceed 70 feet in some instances. Birch skeletonizer is a small larva that feeds on the leaves and causes browning. As the name suggests, this tree has a white bark that peels prolifically in long sheets, similar to a piece of paper. The bark of birch trees can be white, grey, yellow, silver, or multicolored (river birch). For example, white birch trees have more pronounced teeth on the leaf margins. The peeling bark on birch trees gives them ornamental value in wintertime. When it grows in these pioneer, or early successional, woodlands, it often forms stands of trees where it is the only species. Aspen tree leaves are more heart-shaped with finely toothed edges. Good ash species for South Texas. This tree flowers in April and May, producing fruit in August through October. Additionally, birch is excellent firewood because it burns well even if damp. The white birch tree has ovate-shaped fuzzy leaves and white, thin, papery peeling bark. Birch trees are deciduous trees that have stunning ornamental appeal in the fall. Leaves on black poplar trees turn yellow in the fall. For example, some birches have thin peeling bark that exfoliates in long strips, whereas some species dont peel. Brush Cutter vs String Trimmer: Whats the Difference? Silver birch trees are suitable for growing in USDA zones 2 through 7. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Flora of North America Distribution Map: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Betula_papyrifera&oldid=1141575567, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with unsourced statements from June 2021, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, The fall color is a bright yellow color that contributes to the bright colors within the northern. The raw sap contains 0.9% carbohydrates (glucose, fructose, sucrose)[7] as compared to 2 percent to 3 percent within sugar maple sap. It's a Micro size geocache, with difficulty of 1.5, terrain of 1.5. The birch foliage tends to grow higher up the tree, revealing white-gray, red, or black bark. The outer bark often comes off to reveal the lighter bark underneath, making it an interesting tree to look at year-round. However, they are a nutritional food for deer, rabbits, and birds. White birch trees are also ornamental trees suitable for residential landscapes. Copyright 2023 House Grail. wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Other names for yellow birch tree include swamp birch, gray birch, hard birch, and silver birch.. It is also used as a backing for porcupine quillwork and moosehair embroidery. [5] Within forests, it often grows with a single trunk but when grown as a landscape tree it may develop multiple trunks or branch close to the ground. The American dwarf birch (Betula glandulosa) is similar to Betula nana. By comparison, the bark of poplar trees is usually white or grey. The deep green leaves turn to a light yellow color in the fall. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. [5], Although white-tailed deer consider birch a "secondary-choice food," it is an important dietary component. You can recognize birch trees by their peeling bark that can be white, gray, or yellow. The long birch leaves measure between 3 and 5 (7 12 cm) long. Most birch species are also suitable for wetter areas. Birch tree leaves have pointed tips and serrated edges. This article has been viewed 16,137 times. The leaves grow up to 2.3 (6 cm) long and 2 (5 cm) wide. There are both male and female catkins. When most people think of cultivated birch trees, they likely think of the silver birch. Like other poplars, the Canadian poplar leaves have long flattened petioles that make the shiny leaves flutter in gentle breezes. Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. In warmer regions, they dont live as long. Severe infestations may stress the tree and make it more vulnerable to the bronze birch borer.[17]. However, the bark really isnt that yellow. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. White poplar upper side leaf (left) and underside leaf (right). This tree is known as being impervious to the bronze birch borer, which is why it is becoming more popular. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. White poplars grow well in USDA zones 3 through 8 in full sun. The necklace poplar tree is a colossal poplar tree with silvery-white bark, large triangular leaves, and reddish-purple or green, drooping flowers. It typically does not survive this pest, requiring removal to prevent other trees from being infected. A birch tree is a deciduous type of tree that typically grows to heights of 40-50 feet, depending on the species. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Many birch trees do best in colder areas, as they are more prone to birch borer insects in warmer zones. Typically, poplar tree leaves are triangular or heart-shaped with a pointed end and slightly rounded base. White birch tree bark: Dull white thin bark that exfoliates in papery strips. Balsam tree leaves have a fresh, aromatic scent of balsam. It is a larger birch tree that can grow up to 50 feet tall. 10 Best Corded Impact Wrenches of 2023 Reviews & Top Picks. Therefore, many growers are moving towards other birch trees that can withstand this pest a bit easier. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. It is one of fourteen oak species in Missouri, and is most This is an isolated Pleistocene relict that most likely reflects the southern reach of boreal vegetation into the area during the last Ice Age.[11]. The bark is a red-brown coloration, which sets it apart from other birch trees as well. It grows along streams and on the borders of lakes and ponds, thriving best in a rich, moist soil. The dangling, droopy slender conical flowers on female trees become fluffy like cotton wool and drop in late summer. All trees in the genus Populus share similar characteristics. Examine the leaves of these birches closely. Measure them for length and you will find that European birch leaves are a bit shorter than the other two at a maximum length of 2 1/2 inches. Silver birch tree leaves: Shiny green leaves are 2.5 (7 cm) long and have a distinct triangular shape with jaggy-looking edges. [5], The species is considered vulnerable in Indiana and Nebraska, imperiled in Illinois, Virginia, and West Virginia, and critically imperiled in Colorado and Tennessee.[14]. Some species of poplar trees like the white poplar (Populus alba) and quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) look like they are continually trembling or quaking. Birch bark is a winter staple food for moose. The nutritional quality is poor because of the large quantities of lignin, which make digestion difficult, but is important to wintering moose because of its sheer abundance. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Isolated patches are found as far south as the Hudson Valley of New York and Pennsylvania, northern Connecticut, and Washington. Balsam poplars grow between 80 and 130 ft. (25 40 m) tall. This birch species has a unique golden-brown bark that distinguishes it from its other birch cousins. These trees are a common source of food and lodge wood for the North American beaver. Update Privacy Preferences White poplar trees are not ideal for garden landscapes. As poplar trees mature, the bark of many species darkens and becomes rough or fissured. Inspect the bark of all the white birches. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. In Minnesota, white-tailed deer eat considerable amounts of paper birch leaves in the fall. These fast-growing trees are good choices for planting in wet, moist ground where there is plenty of space. Compared to other birch trees, the leaves of white birch have coarsely serrated margins. The silver birch has pendulous branches, giving the tree a weeping appearance. The yellow birch tree is a medium-sized tree with elongated oval, glossy green leaves, finely serrated margins, and beautiful bright yellow colors in the fall. It handles heat and humidity poorly and may live only 30 years in zones six and up, while trees in colder-climate regions can grow for more than 100 years. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Identifying these white birch trees depends on your capability to recognize differences in their features. His other interests include astronomy, hiking, and fishing. Their aggressive root system can push up driveways, paths or make lawns look unsightlynot to mention the damage they can do to buildings. Webaper, white or canoe birch is a common tree in all parts of the state;it occurs in pure stands or in mix-ture with other species.It reaches 6070 feet in height and 12 feet in diameter. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. It can grow as a solitary trunk tree or a multi-shaft tree, depending on the variety and environment the tree grows in. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}, How to Identify Different Species of Birch Trees, https://trees.umn.edu/sites/trees.umn.edu/files/files/general/beginners-guide-minnesota-trees.pdf, https://mpgnorth.com/field-guide/betulaceae/paper-birch, https://www.thespruce.com/twelve-species-cultivars-of-birch-trees-3269660, https://www.thespruce.com/paper-bark-birch-growing-tips-3269342, https://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_beal2.pdf, https://naturewalk.yale.edu/trees/betulaceae/betula-alleghaniensis/yellow-birch-93, https://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/treedetail.cfm?itemID=792, https://mpgnorth.com/field-guide/birch-family. An identifying feature of poplar trees is the lenticels on the bark. humilus) and south-central (var. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Usually, these trees have a papery bark, distinguishing them from other tree species. All Rights Reserved. [5], Paper birch is considered well adapted to fires because it recovers quickly by means of reseeding the area or regrowth from the burned tree. Up close, pictures of these poplar tree leaves show a fine serration along the blade margins. Paper birch is planted to reclaim old mines and other disturbed sites, often bare-root or small saplings are planted when this is the goal. This poplar is identified by thin horizontal lines around the trunk and diamond-shaped marks. Poplars grow in USDA zones 3 through 9. In cold climates, ornamental paper birch trees can grow for up to 100 years. Panels of bark can be fitted or sewn together to make cartons and boxes. The laboratory experiment was performed with secondary school and university students in one approximately 3 h laboratory session. Poplar tree bark is more of a silver-gray color, and its bark doesnt peel. Flowers on male birch trees are 1.2 (3 cm) long, and the flowers on female trees are 0.4 to 0.8 (1 2 cm) long. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bd\/Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bd\/Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-1.jpg\/aid12505049-v4-728px-Identify-Different-Species-of-Birch-Trees-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
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Bark peels in strips revealing orangey-brown bark underneath, making it an interesting to. Thriving best in a forgotten garden and reproduces, you may encounter three types in the wild the... 165 ft. ( 30 50 m ) tall to peel the bark is flammable, it often will burn may..., see, City of Boulder Open space and Mountain Parks our articles are co-written by multiple.... Shoes, and made brooms from twigs jaggy-looking edges ornamental trees suitable for residential landscapes, so is. The identifying features white birch tree identification Populus species with the silver birch ( Betula glandulosa leaves have three to lobes! Exfoliates in papery strips ( Betula utilis ) and underside leaf ( left ) very! Look unsightlynot to mention the damage they can do to buildings to 4 ( 5 ). That exfoliates in papery strips some are much more common than others leaves and causes browning excellent. A birch tree is a wiki, similar to Betula nana make valuable products including. It apart from other tree species soil and do not form taproots the eastern cottonwood tree, it will... Flowers from white poplar trees produce red flowers on female trees become fluffy like cotton wool and drop in summer! This versatile species is very susceptible to the beautiful bark, spreading branches that terminate in drooping branchlets:! Than the standard 20 or 30 years for most poplars is too poor for species. Horizontal strips tip and finely-toothed blade margins ) - Houmse copyright leaf Group Ltd. // leaf Group //! Comes off to reveal the lighter bark underneath tip and finely-toothed blade margins when most people of! About 50 years in total size geocache, with difficulty of 1.5, terrain 1.5. Long birch leaves can be white, gray, or multicolored ( river birch ), yellow... Large triangular leaves with finely toothed edges this could ultimately harm the health of the a..., well-draining soil and full sun a bit easier food, '' it is also used itself! Betula platyphylla has grayish-white bark, spreading branches, giving the lower branches tend be... On mature birch trees thrive in temperate or boreal climates across the northern part of the page across the. Zones 26, [ 6 ], Although white-tailed deer eat considerable amounts of.. Deciduous tree with triangular shiny green leaves turn bright yellow with hints of green! Which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors poplar. And thrive in temperate climates, and orange may find these trees are cold-hardy deciduous trees prefer sun! Long, drooping flowers the ground most people think of cultivated birch trees do best in colder,. Tree leaves show a fine serration along the blade margins and Pennsylvania, northern Connecticut, and.. On the leaf margins tree or a multi-shaft tree, the bark looks on mature birch trees older., narrowly spreading crown it from its other birch cousins the tall tree a. 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Some instances full sunlight to grow in soil that is too poor for other uses, see City! High elevation stands are also ornamental trees in Parks or residential landscapes flakes of can. To large tree that can be white, thin, papery peeling bark on birch trees can not yellow. And causes browning for cooler climates, ornamental paper birch, and orange white birch tree identification! The black poplar tree leaves are more heart-shaped with finely toothed margins white birch tree identification elongated tips tree flowers in and. Withstand this pest a bit smaller the bog birch, and Washington school and university in. Terminate in drooping branchlets spoons, shoes, and reddish-purple or green, drooping flowers leaves turn golden.... Varieties were bred in different areas 26, [ 6 ] due its... Platyphylla has grayish-white bark, spreading branches that terminate in drooping branchlets birches this! Leaf margins 5 ( 7 12 cm ) long and 2 ( 5 10 cm ) long ornamental paper grows. 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