Birch Trees are trees in the genus Betula of the birch family, which contains about 30 to 60 species. Alder trees and hornbeam trees are also members of the birch family.
There is one birch species native to Yolo County (not native to Woodland). There are two non-native birch species that have been planted around Woodland by the city government.
Birch trees are a major cause of hay fever. They typically bloom from about March through May, so if you suffer from hay fever during those months, birch trees could be the culprits.
Native to Yolo County
Water Birch (Betula occidentalis) is a fast-growing deciduous tree native to a small portion of Yolo County along the Sacramento River south of the Sacramento International Airport. It can grow up to 50 feet tall and 25 feet wide. Its bark is dark red-brown, sometimes nearly black. Water Birch prefers full or partial shade. It has high water needs and low drought tolerance, usually grows in wetlands, and prefers medium drainage. Male and female flowers are borne on the same tree, with female flowers closer to the branch tips. Water Birch is ranked 9 out of 10 on the Ogren Plant Allergy Scale, indicating that it tends to cause severe hay fever.
Non-Native Species
River Birch (Betula nigra) is a fast-growing, short-lived, deciduous tree from the eastern United States. It usually grows 70 to 80 feet tall. In 20 years, it might grow to 35 feet tall. Its brown bark routinely peels off, giving it a distinctive appearance. It prefers full sun. River Birch has high water needs and usually grows in wetlands. Male and female flowers are borne on the same tree. River Birch is ranked 9 out of 10 on the Ogren Plant Allergy Scale, indicating that it tends to cause severe hay fever. It is planted at John Ferns Park, Ralph Harris Park, and Streng Park.
Two young European White Birch (Betula pendula) trees Joseph Schneider Park. Photo by queerbychoice.European White Birch (Betula pendula) is a deciduous tree from Europe and Asia. It usually grows 50 to 80 feet tall. It has distinctive white bark. Male and female flowers are borne on the same tree, with male flowers generally borne on longer branches than female flowers. European White Birch is ranked 9 out of 10 on the Ogren Plant Allergy Scale, indicating that it tends to cause severe hay fever. European White Birch trees are planted at City Hall and Joseph Schneider Park. They are also planted as street trees on 1st Street and North Street.
