Betulaceae - Birch Fam

Alnus glutinosa (Betulaceae)

European/black alder. Alternate leaves, dark glossy green, and coarsely serrated. Little pinecones. Monoecious.

Betula papyrifera (Betulaceae)

Paper birch. Alternate leaves. Chalky white bark that peels. Vulnerable to bronze birch borer.

Carpinus caroliniana (Betulaceae)

Musclewood or blue beech. Alternate leaves that are sharply doubly serrated. Pointed, reddish buds. Smooth, thin, and ‘sinewy’ bark.

Betula lenta (Betulaceae)

Sweet birch. Bark smells like mint/cinnamon when scratched.

Ostrya virginiana (Betulaceae)

Hophornbeam. Alternate leaves, hairy midrib. Imbricate buds. Smooth, zig-zag stems.

Corylus colurna (Betulaceae)

Turkish hazel. Alternate, doubly serrated leaves, cordate base. Older bark flakes to reveal orange color beneath.

Betula nigra (Betulaceae)

River birch. Often grows in 2s or 3s. Peeling bark develops into loose plates, orangey brown coloration. Nutlets disperse in spring.

Betula alleghaniensis (Betulaceae)

Yellow birch. Alternating leaves, doubly serrated, cordate base. Bark yellowish to bronze