Leaving the Willows behind.Directions
Carry on along the path that hugs the lake until you reach a small path that heads NW across the park. You may need to zoom in on the map here and switch to satellite view so as not to go wrong. The next featured tree really stands out, especially in winter. Look out for a pair of white trunks about five feet apart. Once spotted you have reached two of our next feature tree: The Paper Birch.
Paper Birch in Winter
Paper Birch
Proper Name: Betula papyrifera
Common Name: Paper Birch
Description: These smallish, whispy trees are categorised by their peeling white bark caused by a pigment called betulin. The leaves are finely serrated and the twigs shiny and dark brown.
Defining Feature: Obviously the white bark makes them stand out from the crowd. But there is something about a birch, its delicateness, its habit, its energy – it all says birch.
A Paper Birch leaf and twig in the fall.