If the crossword puzzle asks for a birch-like tree with four letters, the answer is: ALDER! Is there another tree species that is reminiscent of the graceful birch, but lacks one less good quality? Some people could do without pollen abundance.
Which trees are similar to birch?
The closest thing to birch is actuallyAlder(Alnus). The similarity comes from the fact that alder is also a birch tree. Thehornbeam, also from the birch family,aspen,poplarandalso have similarities Hazel
How are alder and birch similar in appearance?
Both birch and alder are native deciduous trees. These features are roughly equally pronounced:
- max. Growth height approx. 30 m
- straight trunk
- loose crown structure
- summer green foliage
- simple, serrated, light green leaves
- Flowering time in March and April
- long male catkins
- small, inconspicuous female flowers
- similar bark (on some varieties)
What are the similarities with aspen and poplar?
Birch and aspen, also known as quaking aspen, are similar inGrowth height,Flowering period,Flower typeand very concise inleaf shapeand color. In addition, the aspen also has astraight trunk, the gray bark of which resembles some birch trees. However, she only has a loose crown when she is young. This overlap also exists with the poplar, which is related to the aspen, but it can grow slightly taller and slimmer and begins its flowering period in February.
What does the birch have in common with hazel and hornbeam?
The hazel trunk is more branched and the crown is denser. The most similar characteristics areleaf shape and catkins Botanically speaking, the hornbeam is not a beech, but also comes from the birch family. However, catkins and leaves only look similar to birch from a distance, but upon closer inspection they turn out to be significantly different and distinguishable. It only blooms from May, when the birch has long since faded.
Are all birch lookalikes unsuitable for allergy sufferers?
In addition to the birch, thealderand thehazelare unfortunately also consideredaggressive pollen donors, which can cause serious symptoms. Poplar and aspen pollen is more likely to cause moderate symptoms. Hazel tree pollen can also trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people.
Tip
The silver birch's doppelganger is the hanging willow
The Betula pendula, known in everyday language as silver birch, is unique with its overhanging branches. The hanging willow comes closest to the crown shape that we care about in the garden or pot, although its leaves have a completely different shape.
