THE BIRCH FAMILY
The four native species of birch are planted here. The gray birch, an invader of abandoned fields, is most vigorous. The two specimens of this species were planted the same year as the much smaller yellow, black and river birches. I have since planted a few more of the latter species for insurance and they are still pretty small.
Some of the other birch family members are faster growing. Ahead on left are two species of Hazel. Look closely and (if the squirrels haven't stripped the bush,) you should find developing fruit. The beaked hazel doesn't seem to be so vigorous and has not yet fruited.
Hornbeams are also in the birch family, and both species are planted near the hazels nuts. I like to call the Carpinus “muscle wood”; the smooth sinewy trunk looks to me like a muscular arm. The other hornbeam, Ostrya, has shaggy bark when mature.
Ed Miller, curator, Landis Native Plant Trail, February 8, 2013
Some of the other birch family members are faster growing. Ahead on left are two species of Hazel. Look closely and (if the squirrels haven't stripped the bush,) you should find developing fruit. The beaked hazel doesn't seem to be so vigorous and has not yet fruited.
Hornbeams are also in the birch family, and both species are planted near the hazels nuts. I like to call the Carpinus “muscle wood”; the smooth sinewy trunk looks to me like a muscular arm. The other hornbeam, Ostrya, has shaggy bark when mature.
Ed Miller, curator, Landis Native Plant Trail, February 8, 2013