Betula cordifolia

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Betula cordifolia

Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Fagales
Family: Betulaceae
Genus: Betula
Subgenus:
Betula subg. Betula
Species:
B. cordifolia
Binomial name
Betula cordifolia
Synonyms
  • Betula alba var. cordifolia
  • Betula papyrifera var. cordifolia

Betula cordifolia, the mountain paper birch or heartleaf birch (also known as mountain white birch or eastern paper birch) is a birch species native to Eastern Canada and the Northeastern United States. Until recently it was considered a variety of Betula papyrifera (paper birch), with which it shares many characteristics, and it was classified as B. papyrifera var. cordifolia (Regel) Fern.[2]

Description

Betula cordifolia is a

catkins, with pollen catkins 2–4 cm long and seed catkins 1–2 cm long. The seed catkins mature to about 3–5 cm long and bear winged nutlets about 2–3 mm long.[3]

Distribution

Betula cordifolia is found in

New York State, and New England. It is generally found in northern habitats or high elevations, particularly on moist ground.[2] It is also found at high elevations on the slopes of the Black Mountains in Western North Carolina.[5]

Distinctions from Betula papyrifera

Betula cordifolia and Betula papyrifera are very similar species, indeed they were once considered the same species. The primary methods of distinguishing the one from the other include:

Since many of these characteristics vary from tree to tree, ideally several of these characteristics should be noted before making a positive identification. It has been suggested that Betula cordifolia and Betula papyrifera hybridise,[4] however this is unlikely given the more recent evidence of different chromosome numbers. The trees make nearly identical bark, sapwood and heartwood. Both species are mainly used for manufactured wood products, such as lumber, plywood, OSB, paper pulp and wood pellets. As processed firewood, both species produce excellent heat, but burn relatively quickly, however with little to no smoke. The most conclusive method of identification is from chromosome analysis.

References

  1. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2014-3.RLTS.T51207376A51207392.en
    . Retrieved 18 November 2021.
  2. ^
    ISBN 1-55041-199-3
  3. ^ a b c d Powell, G., Beardmore, T. New Brunswick Species of Concern: A field guide. p.17–19. Retrieved from "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-06-05. Retrieved 2008-09-13.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  4. ^ a b c d Ryan, A. G. (1978). Native Trees and Shrubs of Newfoundland and Labrador. St. John's: Parks Division, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.
  5. ^ "Middle Creek in the Black Mountains -North Carolina Waterfalls". www.kadamsphoto.com. Retrieved 2022-10-28.
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