Male flowers in dangling catkins, yellow-red, in early spring before leaves appear. Female flowers small, pink, egg-shaped. Fruit are cone-like structures.
| Family | Betulaceae |
|---|---|
| Season Bloom | April - May |
| Habitat | A low and clump-forming shrub, sometimes a small tree. The latin subspecies name, meaning rugose or wrinkled, refers to the network of sunken veins prominent on the lower leaf surfaces. Found in wet soil along streams and lakes, and in swamps. Larval host to the Green Comma butterfly. Provides cover for wildlife, browse for deer and moose. |
| Cycle | |
| Height | 15-25' |
| Leaf Description | The oval leaves are 2 to 4 inches long and alternately arranged. The edges of the leaves are doubly-toothed. The upper leaf surface is dull green and the lower surface is grayish. Little color change in the fall. |
| Soil Type | Wet |
| Light Source | Partial Shade, Sun |
| Location | Shoreline, Rain Garden |
