The Classification of Birch Trees

A thicket of white birch.

Fifteen species of birch dot the globe, the most common of which are European white birch, paper birch, red birch, river birch and water birch. The tree grows in nearly every section of the United States and is a part of the lore of America, be it as a component of birch-bark canoes or as the gleaming surface of a basketball court.

White Birch

A member of the Betulaceae family and classified as a deciduous tree -- white birch sheds its leaves in the fall -- each species of birch possesses its own scientific name. The white birch tree, Betula papyriera, is also commonly referred to as the paper birch. It grows wild throughout northern North America and is recognized by the white, paper-thin layers of bark that peel easily from its trunk. Birch bark was a vital resource for eastern woodlands Native Americans, who used it in a variety of ways, including the construction of canoes.

River Birch

The river birch, Betula nigra, makes a home in wet locales, preferring to reside near sources of water in areas as diverse as Minnesota, New Hampshire, Florida and Texas. The natural habitat ranges from the eastern U.S. through Oklahoma. The tree holds a copper, two-toned bark and is well-suited for landscape use. As a bonus, it displays colorful fall leaves and is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9.

Geography

The various species of birch may live as long as 40 to 50 years, however, according to the U.S. Forest Service, it is not uncommon for the tree to face mortality within 20 years. It is important for homeowners or landscapers to select the species classification best-suited for the specific location. Due to their shallow root system, the tree is susceptible to even short periods of drought or intense heating of the soil. Therefore, they must be planted in cool, moist locales.

Planting Location

Still, to thrive, the birch tree must receive full sunshine on its leaves for a significant portion of the day, making it quite a challenge to select an ideal site for planting. The east or north side of a building, where afternoon shade is provided, is generally an excellent location for the tree, as long as the soil remains cool and moist. The tree grows best in slightly acidic soils with a pH level of 5.0 to 6.5.

References

• Arbor Day Foundation: Birch
• University of Massachusetts: White Birch
• U.S. Forest Service: How to Grow and Maintain a Healthy Birch Tree