Are you looking for Trees That Look Like Birch to grow in your landscape? You are in for a treat! Here are the top picks!
If, for any reason, you don’t like to include birch trees in your backyard but still want their charm, check out these trees that look like birch. These birch alternatives are not only visually appealing but also bring diversity to your landscape.
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Trees That Look Like Birch
Below are some species of trees that closely resemble birch either due to similarly shaped foliage, growth pattern, or white and varicolored bark. Keep in mind that no tree can completely resemble birch or substitute it.
1. White Poplar
Botanical Name – Populus alba
The white poplar tree is often mistaken for a birch due to its tall stature and white-colored bark. It can grow 60-100 feet tall with beautiful two-toned leaves and yellow blooms.
2. White Gum
Botanical Name – Eucalyptus alba
This species mimics the appearance of a birch tree with its white bark and lance-shaped leaves. Its wood is used for boat construction and fuel purposes.
3. Common Alder
Botanical Name – Alnus glutinosa
Common elder has a multi-stemmed crown and brown bark like a birch tree. This tree is great for stabilizing soil and adding interest along river banks.
4. Quaking Aspen
Botanical Name – Populus tremuloides
Like birch, the quaking aspen features white bark, ovate leaves, and a tall stature. Its dark green 4-7.5 cm long foliage becomes yellow in the fall.
5. Lacebark Pine
Botanical Name – Pinus bungeana
Lacebark pine made this list because of its birch-like, chalky white bark and tall height. This specimen is frequently seen on the grounds of Buddhist temples.
6. Snow Gum
Botanical Name – Eucalyptus pauciflora subsp. pauciflora
Snow gum is not completely identical to birch but has some similar features like white bark and lance-shaped leaves. It also boasts white flowers in January, February, April, August, and October to December.
7. American Hop-Hornbeam
Botanical Name – Ostrya virginiana
This birch-like deciduous tree is a major food source for songbirds, wild turkeys, quail, and small mammals. It’s a drought-tolerant species and doesn’t have any disease or pest problems.
8. American Sycamore
Botanical Name – Platanus occidentalis
The bark of American sycamore is reddish brown like the western red birch tree, hence the resemblance. This species is excellent as a privacy screen, a shade tree, or a street tree.
9. Lombardy Poplar
Botanical Name – Populus nigra ‘Italica’
Lombardy poplar is a fast-growing deciduous tree of Europe, northwestern Africa, and western Asia. It’s a sun-loving specimen and hardy to USDA zones 2a to 10b.
10. Ghost Gum
Botanical Name – Corymbia aparrerinja
The juvenile ovate leaves of ghost gum and smooth white bark give this tree a birch-like appearance. It can grow up to 50 feet tall in optimal conditions.
11. Black Poplar
Botanical Name – Populus trichocarpa
Black poplar is a deciduous tree that can become 40 feet tall in 15 years. This tree has a narrow crown, gray-brown bark, and heart-shaped leaves like birch.
12. Paperbark Maple
Botanical Name – Acer griseum
The paperbark maple shares similar features to birch, like cinnamon-brown peeling bark, yellow blooms, and brown stems. It’s a smaller maple that reaches a mere 20-30 feet in height.
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