Tree
Gray Birch
Betula populifolia
Features
White bark that does not peel; yellow fall color.
Culture
Full sun; tolerates poor soils, wet or dry sites.
Cultivars
'Whitespire'-narrow spire-like form; best resistance to the borer is found in trees that are propagated by tissue culture from the original specimen of 'Whitespire' (This cultivar is now considered a cultivar of Betula populifolia)
Mature Height
20-40 Feet
Size
Medium
Mature Form
Oval to irregular; often multi-trunked.
Native To:
United States
USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 6
Soil Conditions
Dry
Moist, Well-Drained
Wet
Tolerance
Dry Sites
Salt
Soil Compaction
Wet Sites
Exposure/Light Requirements
Full Sun
Uses
Massing
Specimen
Foliage Color
Green
Fall Foliage Color
Yellow
Pests and Problems
Animal Damage
Environmental Damage
Fungal Disease
Insect Damage
Insect Relative Damage
Additional pests and problems that may affect this plant:
Leaf minersand bronze birch borer.
Additional Notes
Best in cold climates; Midwestern summers are too hot.
Related Resources
Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
The Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide (C1391) provides is written for homeowners and other residents and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations for controlling pests associated with trees, shrubs, turf, flowers, groundcovers, vegetables, fruit, and houses. In addition, you'll find detailed information about integrated pest management, pesticide safety, and pesticide application and calibration techniques. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "C1391").
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Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
The Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook (ICLT) is written for professional applicators and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations as well as application timing information for all major pests of turf, woody ornamentals and herbaceous ornamentals. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "ICLT").
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U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
A free plant, weed, insect and disease identification service available through your local University of Illinois Extension office. Center Educators or State Specialists review & respond to information and digital images submitted by local Extension office personnel. Some samples may require further examination or culture work (nominal fee involved) at the U of IL Plant Clinic.
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U of IL - Plant Clinic
Services include plant and insect identification, diagnosis of disease, insect, weed and chemical injury (chemical injury on field crops only), nematode assays, and help with nutrient related problems, as well as recommendations involving these diagnoses. Microscopic examinations, laboratory culturing, virus assays, and nematode assays are some of the techniques used in the clinic.
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