Native Trees of Kentucky 39 



a. Water Birch Bctnla iiigra. 



The water-loving Birch is abundant in Kentucky on the banks 

 of streams, especially in the mountain regions. 



Tree tall, usually divided into several main limbs slightly 



spreading. 



Bark dark, reddish brown, peeling freely in thin layers. 

 Leaves 1 to 3 inches long, doubly toothed, somewhat lobed, 



midrib stout. 



Fruit cones, erect, cylindrical, stalked; nuts, oval with broad 

 wings. 



b. Yellow or Gray Birch Bctnla Intea. 



The Yellow or Gray Birch is rare except in the higher moun- 

 tains. 



Tree large, with drooping lower branches, delicate spray. 

 Bark conspicuously silver gray or yellow, peeling freely, 



bitter. 

 Leaves 3 to 4 inches long, doubly toothed, midrib stout, veins 



prominent. 



Fruit cones erect, often stalked ; nuts oblong, acute at both 

 ends, wider than its wings. 



