Gray Birch

Also known as White Birch and Aspen-leaved Birch, this narrow-columned tree typically grows to 30 to 50 feet tall. Often a pioneer tree in clearings, this perennial grows quickly though is short-lived, and provides shade to seedlings of other forest trees. Its white bark becomes darker as it ages, and its dark green foliage turns yellow in the fall. Gray Birch typically occurs in both dry and wet soils, and can withstand full sun to shade.