On a recent XC Ski Jaunt, I was struck with how many different types of Birch trees we have in Stowe, VT. Below is a breakdown of the different species and varieties I have come across in the state of Vermont. This is an ongoing project and this page will be updated with new discoveries in time.
Similarities Between All Birch Trees
All birch trees have some things in common. Here is a short list of basic similarities shared by birch trees (Genus: Betula)
- Leaves are thin, toothed, shaped triangularly or egg-like, and have blunt bases.
- Distributed in Northern, temperate or boreal climates.
- Bark is marked by numerous cross streaks called lenticels, and tends to peel off into papery sheets.
- Buds are 2 to 3 scaled and there are 3 bundle scars.
- Freshly broken twigs often smell of wintergreen.
Read Below to Learn About the Different Species of Birch Trees in Vermont
The following is a categorization and identification of the different species of birch trees in Vermont. All photos were taken in Vermont and this list will hopefully be expanded upon with different local varieties over time.
American White Birch
There is perhaps no better place to start the birch tree identification journey than with the American White Birch. It is the most unique of all the birches in the remarkable way its bark peels off into large paper like sheets.
Also called the Paper Birch or Canoe birch, this tree has long been used by indigenous cultures to make boats and shelters. It also has a an incredible ability to ignite and create fire, even when damp.
Once peeled, the bark reveals many shades of salmon coloring and narrow, white horizontal stripes.
Read more about the American White Birch here.
Grey Birch
Although the Grey Birch may be found growing with a just a single trunk, it is very often found with multiple trunks growing out of the same base. The gray birch is relatively small in stature compared to the other major types of birch trees, with a max height of around only 40 feet.
The Chalky white trunks are filled with many dark chevron shaped markings, especially at the base of branches.
The triangular long-pointed leaves, as well as not easily peelable bark help differentiate the Gray Birch from the American White Birch.
Read more about the Grey Birch here.
Black Birch
Also known as Cherry Birch and Sweet Birch. The name Cherry Birch hints at another tree the Black Birch can be confused with. The bark looks very much like that of a cherry tree, with the notable difference being that the bark peels in a classic birch paper fashion, revealing the shiny reddish bark underneath. The name Sweet birch hints at the aroma created by breaking up the twigs, which results in a wintergreen scent.
Often one of the earliest colonizers of newly logged ground. The Black Birch has dark, hard wood and is often prized by furniture makers for it’s beautiful appearance.
The mature black birch looks remarkably different from its once younger self.
Read more about the Black Birch here.
Yellow Birch
The Yellow Birch derives its name from the shiny yellowish tint of its bark. The bark is very prone to peeling, and sheds off in small furls rather than large sheets.
The largest of all the birches, this tree can reach up to 100 feet tall and have a trunk diameter of up to 4 feet.
The yellow birch is also the most important birch for lumber production.
Read more about the yellow birch here.