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| Leaf; Photo: Daniel Tigner, Canadian Forest Tree Essences |
Bark; Photo: Daniel Tigner, Canadian Forest Tree Essences |
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| Flower (Catkin); Photo: Daniel Tigner, Canadian Forest Tree Essences |
Tree; Photo: Daniel Tigner, Canadian Forest Tree Essences |
It used to grow mostly in the Maritimes, but the gray birch is spreading north and west as it takes over abandoned farmland.
Gray birch are small trees that live for about 50 years. Unlike other birch trees, the bark of the gray birch doesn't peel off easily. The bark is dark reddish brown when the tree is younger, and turns into a chalky white colour when older.
It grows well in sandy or gravelly soil, on abandoned pastures and in areas recently clear-cut or burnt. Its leaves are a triangle shape with a long pointy tip and are 4 to 7 centimetres long.
Gray birches usually grow in a clump, with the tree trunks curved and leaning outwards. Its branches are skinny and can bend into an ‘s’ shape when older.
Size: 12 metres tall, trunk 15 centimetres in diameter
Moisture: Can tolerate any moisture level
Shade: Needs full sun
Soil: Prefers sandy and gravelly soil, but can grow in many types of soil
Planting tip: Birch trees grow quickly, so they are a great addition to a new garden. They need a lot of sun. More tips...
