gray birch
Betula populifolia
Betulaceae
Gray birch is a deciduous tree native to eastern North America. It is often mistaken for small individuals of paper birch because both have a thin, light colored bark. However, the bark on gray birch does not peel off easily as in paper birch. Unlike the leaves of paper birch, the leaf tip of gray birch ends in a long tapering point. It is a pioneer species that lives for about 30 years. It can persist longer by growing more stems if it does not become overly shaded by taller tree species. Birds feed on the catkins, seeds and sap.
Small groves of gray birch can be found growing on what used to be a rubble pile at the start of the causeway, and near the U1 trail marker in the upland woods.