This tree shares many of the common birch family characteristics - papery bark, serrated leaves, and upward branching limbs. This variety is relatively sparse by comparison to its relatives, however. Monarch Birch are considered a pioneer species, just like the Canoe Birch, meaning that they grow quickly in spaces that have had major ecological distress (such as a wildfire). This tree turns golden in autumn.
Foliage
These leaves are oval, with serrated edges. They remain green most of the year, but turn yellow in the fall.
Seeds or Cones
Monarch Birches grow large, brown catkins, pictured here. These elongated structures contain tiny seeds
All illustrations by A.S. Longman
Did you know?
Unlike other types of birch, the Monarch Birch is resistant to borer insects.
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