The Birches - Birch Trees

The birches form a family with 6 genera and about 100 species that occur mostly throughout the cooler northern climates. Most are shrubs. In the U.P. there are four tree-sized species. They all have simple leaves with saw-toothed margins. Family members frequently bear male catkins which form in the fall and flower in the spring. Female catkins form in the spring. The two birches have small samaras shaped like turkey feet that fall from papery cones. Ironwood and musclewood have unique fruits.

This site created and maintained by Bill Cook, MSU Extension Forester for the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Editing and modification is ongoing. Submit suggestions, questions, and corrections to cookwi@msu.edu or call 906-786-1575.