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| A perfect canopy rains down around this specimen in the winter garden at the Washington Arboretum. |
Birch
In the winter there is no tree that accents the winter sky, like the birch. Here we only see the
white birch and their willowy displays of branches. However, Birch come in many varieties that range in bark textures
and colors from rough and ragged to smooth and seemingly polished in appearance. The red birch is spoken of in Indian
folk lore as a sign of death. Hardly a suitable weight for this beautiful specimen to be encumbered by.
There are European birch with high reaching branches and ragged edged leaves. Silver birch, Paper birch, Black birch,
Yellow birch, and various other varieties that have been developed over time. If you really start to study this tree
you will find that the varieties are extensive. It is, however, a tree to be respected. Since it loves the water
its inclination to seek out leaky pipes and septic tanks is not to be toyed with. Thus, if you are a lover of birch
make sure you do your homework before planting it next to your home.
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| Birch and snowberries create winter interest at Washington Park Arboretum. |
Information on birch trees
