March 20, 2010
River Birch (Beluta nigra) on the banks of Little Fresh Pond
Several River Birches (a native wetland species) grow along the banks of Little Fresh Pond. The ornamental bark of this tree has traits that identify it as a younger tree. Namely, the colors are brown, rust, salmon and white. In addition, the bark exfoliates (peels) in horizontal papery strips. On mature trees, the bark is gray with scales, and it does not exfoliate, and it is gray and scaly.
Photo and Description by Carol Collura