Betula (papyrifera)
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Martin van der Grinten USDA NRCS - Big Flats Plant Materials Center RD #1, Route 352, Box 360A Corning, New York 14830-0360 (607) 562-8404 (607) 562-8516 (fax) martin.vandergrinten@ny.usda.gov http://plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov/nypmc |
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| Family Scientific Name: | Betulaceae | ||
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| Family Common Name: | Birch Family | ||
| Scientific Name: | Betula papyrifera Marsh | ||
| Common Name: | Paper Birch | ||
| Species Code: | BEPA | ||
| Ecotype: | Mt. Desert Island, Maine | ||
| General Distribution: | This species has an extensive range and is found in the Northern half of the United States. | ||
| Propagation Goal: | plants | ||
| Propagation Method: | seed | ||
| ProductType: | Container (plug) | ||
| Time To Grow: | 0 | ||
| Target Specifications: | Stock Type: 1 gallon containers. Height: 18 to 20 inches. Root System: Plants have a good root system in the 1 gallon containers. | ||
| Propagule Collection: | Collected in Acadia National Park, Maine by Martin van der Grinten in August/September by hand harvest. | ||
| Propagule Processing: |
Seeds/Kg: 1,300,00 seeds per pound. Seed Processing: The seed (catkins) must be harvested just prior to shattering. Once the catkins are completely dry, they should be broken apart very easily on a rubbing board. Then the seed is cleaned on a Clipper M2B machine, using a 1/13 round top screen, 1/22 round bottom screen and air closed off. |
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| Pre-Planting Treatments: |
Seed Treatments: If seed is fall sown, no pretreatment is eneded. If it is spring seeded, a cold stratification of 60 days at 34ø to 40øF is recommended. Birch seed is light sensitive for seed germination, but the cold sratification may overcome the light requirement. |
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| Growing Area Preparation/ Annual Practices for Perennial Crops: |
Propagation Environment: Cold frame/greenhouse/lathe house. Seed Propagation Method: Seed is sown in flats in the fall and placed in a cold frame. Seed should be covered as lightly as possible, since this seed is sensitive to light for germination. Container Type and Volume: 1 gallon containers. Growing Media: Seed is germinated in Metro-Mix 360 and when transplanted to 5 inch pots, Metro-Mix 250 is used. In 1 gallon containers, Pro-Mix BX is used. |
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| Establishment Phase: |
Sowing Date: Seed is sown in flats in late fall/early winter, and placed in cold frames. Sowing/Planting Technique: Seed is sown in sturdy plastic flats using Metro-Mix 360 in late fall and placed in cold frames. Seed should be covered as lightly as possible, since the seed is light sensitive for germination. Establishment Phase: Once seedlings have germinated, they are transplanted to 5 inch pots with Metro-Mix 250. Monitor watering. |
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| Active Growth Phase: |
Rapid Growth Phase: Once seedlings are of sufficient size, transplant to 1 gallon containers and place in lathe house. Monitor watering. Fertilize with Osmocote slow release fertilizer or Miracle-Gro liquid fertilizer. |
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| Hardening Phase: | Hardening Phase: The plant will harden-off in the lathe house. | ||
| Harvesting, Storage and Shipping: |
Harvest Date: September. Storage Conditions: Store seed at 40øC in seed cooler. |
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| References: |
Seeds of Woody Plants in the U. S., Agricultural Handbook No. 450, USFS, 1974. Seeds of Woody Plants in North America, Young and Young, Dioscorides Press, 1992. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation, Dirr and Heuser, Varsity Press, 1987. |
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Citation:
Van Der Grinten, Martin. 2001. Propagation protocol for production of Container (plug) Betula papyrifera Marsh plants USDA NRCS - Big Flats Plant Materials Center Corning, New York. In: Native Plant Network. URL: https://NativePlantNetwork.org (accessed 2025/04/11). US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources.
