Seeds of the River Birch Tree

Seeds of the River Birch Tree

The River Birch is widely distributed across the United States, and it grows well in a wide variety of climates. It is most common in the Southeast, where the frost-free season lasts for 210 to 270 days and annual rainfall averages 1270 mm (50 in). In the north, where annual rainfall is much lower at less than 760 mm (30 in), the frost-free season lasts only 150 days.

Embryos

The birch tree produces both male and female flowers, called catkins. The female catkins are smaller than the male ones. They form in the fall and mature in the spring to release pollen. The pollen is wind pollinated and is shed soon after release. The female catkins grow on spur-shoots and are produced with leaves.

Leaves

The River Birch Tree is a hardy native. However, its foliage can show signs of disease or pest attack. These symptoms are caused by a specific type of Aphid that affects the leaves. These infections do not cause any serious damage to the tree and can be easily treated with a few simple steps.

Bark

The River Birch is a deciduous tree that grows along streams in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Its preferred growing environment is in wet areas, but it tolerates dry soil and is also tolerant of moderate shade. Once established, the River Birch will shed leaves and twigs during periods of drought. Because of its acidity tolerance, it is a popular tree to plant in strip mine reclamation projects.

Seeds

Seeds of the river birch tree are a valuable food source and can be collected for a number of reasons. They are the largest of all the native birches in the United States and weigh on average 826,700 per kilogram (375,000 per pound). The seeds are about 3 mm in diameter and about four millimeters long. They are carried downstream by wind and water, germinating in moist alluvial soil. Seeds are often found in thickets along sandbars, such as along rivers. Seeds can be collected from these thickets by picking "cones" (strobili) from the ground, screening and flailing them.

Native range

The native range of the River Birch Tree is limited to the Merrimack River in Massachusetts and several ponds in Essex County, MA. The species has also been reported in Vermont.

Common names

River birch is a deciduous tree with flowers that are shaped like a cone and are 2 to 3 inches long. Its leaves are alternate and have a feathery texture. Typically, birch flowers are in pairs and grow from the end of branches. During the spring and summer, river birch trees produce two types of catkins: male and female. Male catkins are shorter and have a more rounded appearance than female catkins, which are longer and are shaped like small pine cones. 


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