Species PlantsGray Birch

Gray Birch

Betula populifolia

CommonPlant
Illustration of Gray Birch (Betula populifolia)

Gray Birch is a fast-growing tree with a slender trunk and distinctive white bark. It is often one of the first trees to colonize disturbed areas.

Habitat
Thrives in poor, sandy soils and open areas.
Diet
Provides food and habitat for numerous bird species and insects.
How common
Common

Best time to see a Gray Birch

The best time to see a Gray Birch is April–August, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 6,188 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Not certain it is a Gray Birch? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.

Recent Gray Birch sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Gray Birch? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.

Get Huck

Get an alert when a Gray Birch is spotted

Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.

Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.

Love plants? Get Huck field notes

Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to receive Huck emails. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

More plants

Gray Goldenrod
Gray Goldenrod
Solidago nemoralis
Gray's Sedge
Gray's Sedge
Carex grayi
Grayhead Coneflower
Grayhead Coneflower
Ratibida pinnata
Great Basin Bristlecone Pine
Great Basin Bristlecone Pine
Pinus longaeva
Great Blue Lobelia
Great Blue Lobelia
Lobelia siphilitica
Great Camas
Great Camas
Camassia leichtlinii
Great Lead Tree
Great Lead Tree
Leucaena pulverulenta
Greater Fringed Gentian
Greater Fringed Gentian
Gentianopsis crinita