Silver Birch is a very common tree in the South West of England and spreads very easily. In some cases it can be a nuisance such as the RSPB Aylesbeare Common reserve as it can quickly cover heatlhand. But other than it's quick ability to spread it is a very showy tree. It is often confused with the Downy Birch but there are few tell tale signs that can help identify it. The Silver Birch is usually less upright than Downy Birch. Also, the branches are more drooping and the base of the leaves are more sharply angled. The final thing to add is that the leaf stems are hairless and in some cases warty, whereas with Downy Birch they have tiny little hairs. In Exeter you are more likely to see Silver Birch than Downy Birch.
|
Silver Birch leaves on a gentle breeze
|
Close up of the leaves. Very similar to Downy Birch
|
Drooping branches of the Silver Birch
|
Silver Birch sapling amongst other trees and shrubs
|
Female catkins of the Silver Birch
|
More female catkins. I missed the male ones so will have to wait until next year
|
A close up of the Silver Birch bark in a busy area. The white has been replaced by the pollutants of the city
|
Overview of a mature Silver Birch in Exeter city centre
|
Another mature Silver Birch. This one was by Jewson, Exeter
|
An example of how shallow the roots can be
|