Betula alba - European white birch

Betula alba next to Herron Fitness Center (2003)

Family: Betulaceae

Range: See the following website for more information:

http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/trees/BETPENA.pdf

Habitat: Full sun to partial shade; moist well drained soils, able to grow on sites with

heavy clay and nutritionally poor soils. Does not tolerate prolonged drought well.

Origin: Not native to the United States.

Lifespan: Relatively short-lived; its lifespan is limited by the bronze birch borer.

Size: Typically 40-50 ft. tall with a maximum height of 65 ft., 10-20 ft. wide

Reproduction: Monoecious; produces male and female catkins. When pollinated the

female catkins will release numerous, tiny two-winged samaras.

Common Uses: Primarily ornamental. The sap can be concentrated into sweet syrup

by boiling off the water or it can be fermented to produce beer. The leaves can be brewed to make tea and the soft, light, durable wood can be crafted

into furniture or pulped to make paper.

Interesting Facts: The bark of this species does not peel into papery strips when mature;

this characteristic is atypical of its family.