About Betula cordifolia Regel
Betula cordifolia Regel is a deciduous tree that grows to around 60 feet (25 meters) in height, with a trunk diameter of approximately 30 inches (75 centimeters). Mature bark of this species is white or bronze-white, and peels in thin layers. The inner surface of the bark is copper-coloured, while young bark is shiny brown with pale brown lenticels. Its leaves are arranged alternately, are ovate in shape, 6–12 cm long, and have double-toothed margins. As the specific epithet cordifolia implies, the leaf base is typically cordate, or heart-shaped, though this trait can be inconsistent—leaf bases are occasionally flat or rounded instead. The leaves are dotted with numerous resin glands, and the buds are ovoid and blunt. Twigs range from yellow-brown to dark-brown, and are dotted with both resin glands and gray lenticels. Unlike the twigs of Betula papyrifera, the twigs of Betula cordifolia do not have hairs. This species produces flowers in catkins: pollen catkins measure 2–4 cm long, while seed catkins are initially 1–2 cm long. Mature seed catkins reach 3–5 cm in length, and bear winged nutlets that are around 2–3 mm long. This birch is distributed across Atlantic Canada, Quebec, northwestern Ontario, Northern New York State, and New England. It most commonly grows in northern habitats or at high elevations, especially on moist ground. It also occurs at high elevations on the slopes of the Black Mountains in Western North Carolina.
