Virginia Round-Leaf Birch

Growth habit

Tree

Perennation

Long-lived polycarpic perennial

Native distribution

Smyth County, Virginia

Location

Beech Collection

Source of plant

Reynolds Homestead Agricultural Experiment Station

Description

Mature specimens form a sub-canopy layer and are generally bent at an angle, presumably to fill openspaces in the canopy above. The height of the individual trees varies from 7.6 m to 14.0 m, averaging10.4 m. Branching habit is distinctive in that the major branches begin on the upper part of the trunk andgive rise to many relatively slender, spreading branchlets. The bark is relatively smooth, dark brownish-black with horizontal lenticels and has a strong essence of wintergreen that is similar to thatof B. lenta. The leaves, which are the most distinguishable aspect of the tree, are suborbicular-cordate, with 3 to 6 pairs of lateral veins, and are rounded at the apex; measurements for 5 large leaf blades averaged 5.8 cm long, 4.8 cm wide.

USDA Hardiness Zone

5

Special characteristics

rarity