ribbed birch (Betula costata) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

Ribbed birch is a tree native to mountain forests in northeastern Asia, including Korea. Its bark peels in flakes, and the many visible veins on its leaves give it its name.

Appearance

Appearance: Gray-brown bark peels in flakes; older trunks can become rough.
Growth form: In its native range, this deciduous tree can reach about 90 ft (27 m).
Leaves: Narrow, pointed leaves show 10–16 pairs of side veins and fine teeth along the edge.
Fruit: Short, upright hold small winged seeds.

Look-alikes

Erman's birchBetula ermanii

Ribbed birch usually has narrower leaves with more pairs of side veins and shorter leaf stalks. Photographs of a mature leaf and the bark are more useful than a distant view.

Why they get mixed upBoth East Asian birches are grown in collections and have peeling bark.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: Mountain forests
Range: It is native to northeast Asia, including Korea, but not to the U.S.

Name and classification

Varieties and forms: The compact selection 'CinnDak', sold as Cinnamon Curls, was developed in North Dakota. It reaches about 9 ft (2.7 m) and has peeling bark with a cinnamon-colored underside.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: LCLeast ConcernLow risk of extinction

Culture and stories

Culture and stories: The compact 'CinnDak' selection has a published hardiness range of USDA zones 3b–6.

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