The Birches 



71 



It is frequently found with a height of 70 to 80 ft. and a trunk diameter of 3 

 to S}4 ft. The trunk of the forest tree is clear of branches for 50 or 60 ft. The 

 crown is cone-shaped and open. 



The bark of the trunk is brown, smooth, and shiny, and can be separated into 

 thin layers. 



The leaves are 2}/^ to 3 in. long, dull, deep green, and broadly oval in outline. 

 The base at times is almost a straight line which gives the leaf a triangular outline. 

 Those of the Alaska and mountain birches, the two other Pacific coast birches, are 

 smaller. 



BETULA LUTEA, Michx. YELLOW BIRCH 



Common names: Yellow birch, tall birch, curly birch, gold birch 



(Nova Scotia), red birch*, hard birch, black birch*. 

 French names: Merisier, bouleau jaune, merisier jaune, merisier 

 onde, merisier rouge*. 

 The yellow birch is found from Newfoundland and the Maritime Provinces 

 westward to the east side of lake Superior, also west of this lake from Fort William 

 along the Canada-United States boundary to the lake of tlie Woods. 



It is the largest of our native birches and is sometimes found 100 ft. high and 

 with a trunk diameter of 3 to 4 ft. In the forest the trunk is long and clear and 

 has a moderate amount of taper. In the open the crown is widespread, but the 

 central axis is fairly well defined. 



YELLOWBIRCh 



