Complete the worksheet! Family: Birch (Betulaceae) Height: 40-60' Tree: medium-sized tree, single or multiple trunks and spreading irregular crown Leaf: simple, oval, 2-3" in length, alternately attached, sometimes with asymmetrical leaf base, double-toothed margin, dark green above, paler green below Bark: reddish brown to salmon pink, some shaggy curly bark, often flaky, becoming dark and scaly with age Fruit: many winged nutlets, each 1/8" wide, in a cone-like seed catkin, 1" long Fall Color: yellow Origin/Age: native; 50-75 years Habitat: wet soils, in river valleys, along streams, wetlands and lakes, shade tolerant Range: along the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers in the southeastern quarter, and in several other major river valleys Interesting Facts: The southernmost birch tree species in the U.S., growing as far south as Florida and Texas. The common name refers to its habitat near water, where it plays a major role in controlling erosion. Leaves tend to be smaller than the similar Yellow Birch. The trunk, which can reach a diameter of 1-1½ feet, is often covered with a salmon pink curled bark. Widely planted as a landscape tree, it is the only native birch resistant to Bronze Birch Borer beetle larvae, which tunnel through inner bark, causing the branches or entire tree to die. Its wood is rarely used for any commercial application. Explore the tree species of Central Park!