Gray Birch
Betula populifolia
- Native to:
- Canada, Prince Edward I., United States, Virgin Islands
Charlie Hohn
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Betulaceae
- Genus:
- Betula
- Species:
- Betula populifolia
- USDA Symbol:
- BEPO
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- 900 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun,Part Shade,Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow-brown (catkins)
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★★★ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★★★★☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Acleris tripunctana, Acronicta dactylina, American Dagger Moth (Acronicta americana), Angus's datana (Datana angusii), Anopina ednana, Arched Hooktip (Drepana arcuata), birch skeletonizer (Bucculatrix canadensisella), birch tubemaker moth (Acrobasis betulella), Caloptilia coroniella, Cecropia moth (Hyalophora cecropia), Chain-lined geometer moth (Cingilia catenaria), Dark-spotted Palthis (Palthis angulalis), Eastern Tent Caterpillar (Malacosoma americana), Epinotia stroemiana, Eurois astricta, Fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea), Forest Tent Caterpillar (Malacosoma disstria), Grey pug (Eupithecia subfuscata), Gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar), Heterocampa biundata, Hickory Tussock Moth (Lophocampa caryae), hopping needle tortricid moth (Epinotia solicitana), Imperial Moth (Eacles imperialis), Infant Moth (Archiearis infans), Io moth (Automeris io), Itame anataria, Itame quadrilinearia, Lacanobia nevadae, Lacinipolia lorea, Limbata angle moth (Nematocampa limbata), Maple spanworm (Ennomos magnaria), Melanchra assimilis, Mesothea incertata, Metarranthis sp., New England buck moth (Hemileuca lucina), Oligia mactata, Pink-spotted Dart Moth (Pseudohermonassa bicarnea), Polia detracta, Polia imbrifera, Polia purpurissata, Polyphemus moth (Antheraea polyphemus), Pyreferra citrombra, Rusty Tussock Moth (Orgyia antiqua), Silver-spotted Ghost Moth (Sthenopis argenteomaculatus), tawny brown carpet moth (Anacamptodes ephyraria), Tortricidia flexuosa, wheatear sallow (Lithophane fagina), Yellownecked caterpillar (Datana ministra), Compton Tortoiseshell (Nymphalis vau-album), Dreamy Duskywing (Erynnis icelus)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Moths:Angulose Prominent (Peridea angulosa), Cecrita guttivitta, Luna moth (Actias luna), Lyonetia prunifoliella, Polyphemus moth (Antheraea polyphemus)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals, butterflies
- Fall Color:
- yellow
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Thin bark makes it susceptible to fire damage; however, it colonizes burned areas via wind-dispersed seeds.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 4.0 - 6.0 (acidic to slightly acidic)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Common in disturbed areas and poor soils
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification for 30-60 days; sow on surface of moist medium and keep at 20-25°C.
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).
Source: Claude AI
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)