Gray Birch
Betula populifolia
| Family: | Betulaceae (beh-tyoo-LAY-see-ee) (Info) |
| Genus: | Betula (BET-yoo-luh) (Info) |
| Species: | populifolia (pop-yoo-lih-FOH-lee-uh) (Info) |
Category:
Trees
Foliage Color:
Chartreuse/Yellow
Bloom Characteristics:
Water Requirements:
Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings
Where to Grow:
Height:
20-30 ft. (6-9 m)
30-40 ft. (9-12 m)
over 40 ft. (12 m)
Spacing:
20-30 ft. (6-9 m)
Hardiness:
USDA Zone 3a: to -39.9 °C (-40 °F)
USDA Zone 3b: to -37.2 °C (-35 °F)
USDA Zone 4a: to -34.4 °C (-30 °F)
USDA Zone 4b: to -31.6 °C (-25 °F)
USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
Sun Exposure:
Full Sun
Danger:
N/A
Bloom Color:
Inconspicuous/none
Bloom Time:
N/A
Foliage:
Grown for foliage
Deciduous
Good Fall Color
Provides winter interest
Other details:
Soil pH requirements:
5.1 to 5.5 (strongly acidic)
5.6 to 6.0 (acidic)
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
Patent Information:
Non-patented
Propagation Methods:
From semi-hardwood cuttings
By grafting
Seed Collecting:
Regional
This plant has been said to grow in the following regions:
Augusta, Maine
Lawrence, Massachusetts
Saint Clair Shores, Michigan
Frenchtown, New Jersey
Downingtown, Pennsylvania
Lehighton, Pennsylvania
West Chester, Pennsylvania
Spokane, Washington
show allGardeners' Notes:
| Rating | Content |
|---|---|
| Positive | On Dec 3, 2013, Rickwebb from Downingtown, PA wrote: Gray Birch is not quite as ornamental as other white-barked birch species, but it is still a pretty plant. It grows in an irregular fashion or habit. It is fast growing, about 2 to 2.5 ft/yr. It is relatively short-lived for a tree, about 30 to 50 years. It does not get Bronze Birch Borer because it can tolerate heat over 85 degrees F. A lot of Gray Birch have been planted in southeast Pennsylvania; more than Paper Birch. It is definielty good for USDA Zone 6b in southeast PA and seems fine in Zone 7a in Delaware. When it gets old, the bark on the lower trunk does get grayish. |
| Positive | On May 22, 2005, ellyssian from Lehighton, PA (Zone 6b) wrote: This small tree is often confused with the paper birch (both of which are often called 'white birch'). The bark is white, but does not peel. Older trees apparently do show grey patches. |
