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birch

Plant

  • Medium to large tree
  • Deciduous
  • Numerous species

Twig

  • Alternate leaf arrangement

Bark

  • Peeling in sheets or blocky scales
  • Color varies by species

Leaf

  • 2-4" long, varies by species
  • Alternate, simple
  • Ovate to wedge shape
  • Coarsely toothed margins

Leaf Bud

  • Small, up to ½" long
  • Sharp-pointed
  • Overlapping scales

Flower

  • Separate male and female
  • Male
    • Up to 4" long catkin
    • Pendulous
  • Female
    • Up to 1" long
    • Upright

Fruit

  • Small nutlet, ¾-1½" long
  • Opens when ripe to shed seeds