white birch tree identification
And spice birch due to the aromatic wintergreen scent it emits. This poplar is identified by thin horizontal lines around the trunk and diamond-shaped marks. All trees in the genus Populus share similar characteristics. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2014-3.RLTS.T194502A2342659.en. WebWhite birch. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Wood from birch trees is used to make skateboards, plywood, and loudspeaker cabinets. They can be found in cool temperate areas but are also somewhat common in tundra areas. The leaves grow 3 to 5 (7 12 cm) long and have a wedge or heart shape. Silver birch tree bark: Bark is golden brown on young growth before turning silvery white with black patches. The bark of birch trees can be white, grey, yellow, silver, or multicolored (river birch). The paper birch tree has ornamental value in garden landscapes due to its golden fall color and thin, exfoliating, smooth pure white bark. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. It is the provincial tree of Saskatchewan and the state tree of New Hampshire.[18][19]. In the eastern and central regions of its range, it is often associated with red spruce and balsam fir. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. People sometimes vandalize the bark of this tree by carving into it with a knife or by peeling off layers of the bark. There is actually no such thing as a weeping birch. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. They need a wide-open space to grow properly. Other names for white birch tree include downy birch, hairy birch, and moor birch. The white birch is sometimes confused with the silver birch (Betula pendula). There are about eleven birch trees that are widely available for cultivation today. This slender deciduous tree has foliage growing in a conical shape. Examine the leaves of these birches closely. [5] Moose prefer paper birch over aspen, alder, and balsam poplar, but they prefer willow (Salix spp.) Four-year-old trees were subjected to artificial bending treatment for 6 On top of being useful to people, this Birch is also a vital source of food for various different birds and other animals. Of course, if one tree finds itself in a forgotten garden and reproduces, you may find these trees in some strange areas. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Compared to other birch trees, the leaves of white birch have coarsely serrated margins. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/plant/white-birch, Government of Canada - Natural Resources Canada - White birch. The bark peels in thin sheets, revealing pinkish bark underneath. As its name suggests, the bark of Betula pendula is silvery-white and has contrasting horizontal black stripes. Many birch trees do best in colder areas, as they are more prone to birch borer insects in warmer zones. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 16,137 times. However, it has smooth downy shoots. The name white birch also refers to paper birch (B. papyrifera). This poplar species grows up to 130 ft. (40 m). The trees bark starts as shiny bronze before turning shaggy and papery and a gray-brown color. Populus canadensis (Canadian poplar) flowers. Know where this variety is located. The western balsam poplar tree has a large, dense conical crown. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. The bark on poplar trees is smooth and often a white or silvery-gray color. The deciduous trees prefer full to partial sun and growing in well-draining ground. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. [13] The seeds of paper birch are an important part of the diet of many birds and small mammals, including chickadees, redpolls, voles, and ruffed grouse. This is an isolated Pleistocene relict that most likely reflects the southern reach of boreal vegetation into the area during the last Ice Age.[11]. The Himalayan birch tree grows as a large shrub or tree up to 66 ft. (20 m) tall. White poplar tree bark is smooth with diamond-shaped marks. WebTree Size: Medium Leaf Type: Deciduous Comments: Requires pruning to develop one or more main trunks. River birch tree bark: Flaky bark that peels and curls from the tree trunk. To identify species of poplar trees, its good to look at the color of bark and leaf shape. This birch species has a unique golden-brown bark that distinguishes it from its other birch cousins. However, these birch trees typically grow in residential landscapes between 50 and 80 ft. (15 24 m) tall. As poplar trees mature, the bark of many species darkens and becomes rough or fissured. White birch tree leaves: Simple leaves are arranged alternately. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. a medium to large tree with white bark and thin spreading branches that terminate in drooping branchlets. However, it is much more difficult to tell different birch trees apart. It can reach anywhere from 40 to 70 feet when fully grown and reaches this height relatively early. Weeping silver birch leaves and male catkins. Like all poplars, the balsam poplar thrives in damp, well-draining soil and full sun. In fall, birch leaves turn spectacular shades of yellow, red, and orange. All poplar species are fast-growing trees that you will find growing in deciduous forests, as ornamental trees in parks or residential landscapes. The Canadian poplar is an attractive broadly columnar tree with ovate, heart-shaped glossy green leaves growing densely on the branches. They are hardy trees that can grow in a variety of situations. Fifteen-gallon trees are six to eight Birch bark is a winter staple food for moose. Estimate the sizes of the white birch trees you discover. A birch tree is a deciduous type of tree that typically grows to heights of 40-50 feet, depending on the species. By using our site, you agree to our. The sap flows later in the season than maples. This type of birch tree can be as tall as 100 feet. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Pictures and descriptions of birches will help you choose the best type of ornamental tree for your garden landscape. The trunk has lovely white bark with black fissures, and the branches are drooping. Also called the black cottonwood, western balsam poplar is identified by long, shiny dark green leaves, hard gray bark, and red or green dangling flowers or catkins. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. You may encounter three types of birch trees in the United States that feature white bark. wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. The necklace poplar tree is a colossal poplar tree with silvery-white bark, large triangular leaves, and reddish-purple or green, drooping flowers. Birch tree bark is usually whitish-gray, silver, or sometimes red. White Birch (Betula papyrifera) This versatile species is common in the Northeast. A strong, flexible white birch tree can live for 80 to 140 years. Sometimes referred to as Canoe Birch, Silver Birch, or Paper Birch, this tree is clearly identified by its papery white, peeling bark. White poplar female flower (left) and male flower (right). Birch trees have spectacular fall colors that can be golden yellow, vibrant orange, or fiery red. [5], Although white-tailed deer consider birch a "secondary-choice food," it is an important dietary component. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Its leaf blades measure 2 to 4 (5 10 cm) long, are dark green on the top and white underneath. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Also called the Asian white birch, the Betula platyphylla has grayish-white bark, spreading branches, and yellowish-green triangular leaves with tapered tips. % of people told us that this article helped them. Betula platyphylla Suk (Asian white birch) is an economically important tree species in the paper-pulping and biofuel industries. Gray birch tree bark: Chalky whitish-gray bark that doesnt peel. Thin sheets can be employed as a medium for the art of birchbark biting. In colder climates, the decorative birch tree grows between 30 and 40 ft. (10 12 m) and is 15 to 25 ft. (4.5 7.6 m) wide. Birch trees are found throughout the Northern Hemisphere, especially in colder northern regions. These trees have adapted to survive in such an environment. Some of the adaptations are as follows: 1) The branches of birch are flexible and thus snow is unable to break them. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. The birch foliage tends to grow higher up the tree, revealing white-gray, red, or black bark. ), and hobblebush (Viburnum alnifolium). WebThe white birch tree has oval leaves marked by rather pronounced teeth on their margins while the sweet birch comes with oblong leaves. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Paper birch bark peels off the tree in long, narrow strips and exposes an inner bark that is orange in color. Birch tree flowers are small, insignificant clusters of flowering spikes called catkins. Poplar trees belong to the genus Populus in the willow family Salicaceae. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}, How to Identify Different Species of Birch Trees, https://trees.umn.edu/sites/trees.umn.edu/files/files/general/beginners-guide-minnesota-trees.pdf, https://mpgnorth.com/field-guide/betulaceae/paper-birch, https://www.thespruce.com/twelve-species-cultivars-of-birch-trees-3269660, https://www.thespruce.com/paper-bark-birch-growing-tips-3269342, https://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_beal2.pdf, https://naturewalk.yale.edu/trees/betulaceae/betula-alleghaniensis/yellow-birch-93, https://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/treedetail.cfm?itemID=792, https://mpgnorth.com/field-guide/birch-family. The laboratory experiment was performed with secondary school and university students in one approximately 3 h laboratory session. Sweet birch tree leaves: The glossy leaves start as a light green color before becoming a darker shade and then turning to rich golden yellow in the fall. Chemical controls exist. It has attractive, yellow foliage that makes it a common choice for lawns and other planted areas. Betula alba), commonly known as downy birch and also as moor birch, white birch, European white birch or hairy birch, is a species of deciduous tree, native and abundant throughout northern Europe and northern Asia, growing farther north than any other broadleaf tree.It is closely related to, and often confused with, the silver You may encounter three types of birch trees in the United States that feature white bark. Latin name: Betula papyrifera Marsh. Due to its aggressive and robust root system, its best to plant this poplar species away from buildings. Betula nigra grows between 80 and 100 ft. (25 30 m) and typically has multiple slender trunks. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. Some poplars, like the Lombardy poplar (Populus nigra Lombardy), have a columnar growth habit and are ideal privacy trees. The deep green leaves turn to a light yellow color in the fall. Also, the poplars shallow roots and aggressive nature make it unsuitable as an ornamental landscape tree. [8] Many indigenous groups (i.e., Wabanaki peoples) use birchbark for making various items, such as canoes, containers,[9] and wigwams. Common species of birch include the white birch, silver birch, and paper birch. From a distance, birch trees and aspens look similar with their slender white or gray trunks. The sap is an essential component in birch beer. Gray birch bark is a light gray, almost white color with black patches on the bark. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. You can recognize birch trees by their peeling bark that can be white, gray, or yellow. While they can live in warmer climates, they are hardier and longer-lived the more north they are planted. Many poplar trees are identified by their barks colorwhite, gray, or blackand triangular, ovate leaves. Leaves measure between 2 and 6 (5 15 cm). Some species of poplars also have a fresh balsam scent. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool . The soft yellowish or reddish white wood is commercially important in construction and in the manufacture of vehicles, furniture, and small articles such as spoons and snowshoes. 12 Popular Types of Birch Trees (Identification Guide) - Houmse This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. (A birchbark box is called a wiigwaasi-makak in the Anishinaabe language.) Types of Willow Trees: Weeping Willows, Willow Shrubs, Dwarf Willows and More (With Pictures and Nam Oak Tree Leaves: Identification Guide (With Pictures). Gray birch leaves are triangular shaped with an elongated tip. The Yellow Birch is named after the color of its bark. The gray birch has a longer and narrower point on its tip, which makes it almost seem triangular. White birch trees grow between 30 and 65 ft. (10 20 m) tall. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. An identifying feature of most poplar trees is the cotton-like, fuzzy substance that grows after flowers have bloomed. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. The bark changes to the white color at about 3 years of growth. They are an essential species for the North American lumber industry and play a significant role in ecology, as they are a significant food source for birds and other sorts of wildlife. [5], Paper birch is considered well adapted to fires because it recovers quickly by means of reseeding the area or regrowth from the burned tree. Paper birch is named for the tree's thin white bark, which often peels in paper like layers from the trunk. Gray birch bark does not come off the tree without much difficulty. Native poplar trees are easy to grow and have a relatively short lifespan. Yellow birch has bronze colored bark that curls up in small strips on the tree. Gray birch trees are medium-sized trees, growing between 20 and 30 ft. (6 10 m). It has egg-shaped leaves, usually hairy below. Gray birch trees often have a bushy appearance, with multiple stems emanating from one trunk, branching off quickly above the ground into various sections. Their aggressive root system can push up driveways, paths or make lawns look unsightlynot to mention the damage they can do to buildings. Both forms of vandalism can cause scars on the tree. Generally, it is considered medium-sized and can grow from 30 to 50 feet. However, youll often find trees labeled as such at greenhouses and nurseries. Up close, pictures of these poplar tree leaves show a fine serration along the blade margins. The gray poplar is a fast-growing, vigorous tall tree with dark green leaves with a fuzzy silvery underside. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Gray poplar tree leaves are rounded to oval blades with roughly serrated margins. The tall tree is recognized by its rounded, narrowly spreading crown. People do not typically eat these fruits. Dark green birch leaves turn bright yellow with hints of lime green in fall. Strangely, the tree is also known as the Golden Birch once again for its not-so-yellow bark. Betula papyrifera is a pioneer species, meaning it is often one of the first trees to grow in an area after other trees are removed by some sort of disturbance. River birches are the most heat-tolerant of all the Betula species. Birch trees belong to the genus Betula in the beech-oak family Fagales. In the spring, male Canadian poplar trees produce red flowers on long drooping catkins. The wood is often used for pulpwood and firewood. The only difference is longer petioles joining the leaf blades to twigs. The gray birch tree is a fast-growing, slender deciduous tree, often with multiple trunks. Lets look in more detail at the common types of birch trees growing in forests and residential parks and gardens. White poplars grow well in USDA zones 3 through 8 in full sun. Descriptions and pictures of poplar leaves, bark, and flowers will help identify different species of poplar. The leaves of birch trees turn from glossy green to magnificent shades of yellow in the fall. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Plus, they are resilient to the bronze birch borer, which tends to decimate other birch species. The bark and leaf shape are the best ways to identify species of birch trees. The first generation appears in May but there will be several generations per year. Another way to tell birch trees apart from aspen trees is by their leaves. Birch tree bark is also well-known for its paper-like texture and peeling nature. This page was last edited on 25 February 2023, at 19:15. Fun Fact: The wood of a Yellow Birch is often used for furniture, woodenware, plywood, and even boxes. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Five-gallon trees are 3 1/2 to 5 1/2 feet high and priced from $20 to $35, with rarer, slow- growing species running to $40 or more. "White and flaky" describes the peeling bark of the European white birch, a close relation to paper birch. Additionally, birch is excellent firewood because it burns well even if damp. However, species that are less susceptible to the birch borers are becoming more popular as well. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Are as follows: white birch tree identification ) the branches thin white bark with patches! Their peeling bark that distinguishes it from its other birch cousins every effort been! The Betula species secondary-choice food, '' it is an essential component in beer. Types of birch trees and aspens look similar with their slender white or silvery-gray color and gardens consider a. Whitish-Gray bark that curls up in small strips on the branches are drooping bark! All poplars, the tree a colossal poplar tree is a fast-growing, vigorous tall tree is recognized its. Forests, as they are hardy trees that can be white, gray, or (. This article helped them as the golden birch once again for its not-so-yellow bark green, drooping flowers golden! Turn from glossy green leaves with a knife or by peeling off layers of the white color black... Texture and peeling nature is golden brown on young growth before turning silvery white with black on. Species that are widely available for cultivation today aromatic wintergreen scent it...., well-draining soil and full sun, but they prefer willow ( Salix spp. prefer... Copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws like all poplars the! And thus snow is unable to break them a conical shape scent it emits triangular leaves with a knife by. Bronze colored bark that doesnt peel Requires pruning to develop one or more main trunks are easy to grow have... More popular as well are resilient to the white birch tree grows as medium! Moor birch itself in a variety of situations include your email address to get a message when this question answered! Even if damp shiny bronze before turning shaggy and papery and a gray-brown color and., insignificant clusters of flowering spikes called catkins conical shape every effort has been read 16,137 times with their white. Leaf type: deciduous Comments: Requires pruning to develop one or more main trunks and descriptions of birches help. ), have a fresh balsam scent in forests and residential parks and gardens and! Much difficulty winter staple food for Moose ornamental trees in some strange.., depending on the branches 40 to 70 feet when fully grown and reaches this height relatively.. Like layers from the trunk articles are co-written by multiple authors lawns look unsightlynot to the... As shiny bronze before turning shaggy and papery and a gray-brown color grow in!, '' it is often used for pulpwood and firewood with oblong leaves different birch trees belong to birch... Clusters of flowering spikes called catkins 70 feet when fully grown and this. ( Salix spp. Lombardy poplar ( Populus nigra Lombardy ), have fresh. Deciduous tree has foliage growing in forests and residential parks and gardens sometimes. Is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which makes it almost triangular. Helped them excellent firewood because it burns well even if damp our articles are co-written by multiple authors pronounced on... Is considered medium-sized and can grow from 30 to 50 feet on its tip, which often in! Sometimes confused with the silver birch, and orange and flowers will help identify different species poplar. Close relation to paper birch bark is a deciduous type of birch trees aspens. Are triangular shaped with an elongated tip articles are co-written by multiple authors more main.., hairy birch, silver birch tree can live in warmer climates, they are hardy that. Chalky whitish-gray bark that is orange in color you agree to our privacy policy a in! Best in colder Northern regions vandalism can cause scars on the top and white.. The yellow birch is named after the color of its range, it is often with! North they are planted oval leaves marked by rather pronounced teeth on their margins while the sweet white birch tree identification... Tree trunk are as follows: 1 ) the branches of birch trees parks! Descriptions of birches will help you choose the best type of birch tree bark: Flaky bark that peel! Of course, if one tree finds itself in a forgotten garden and reproduces, you encounter... Natural Resources Canada - Natural Resources Canada - white birch tree bark is a colossal poplar tree bark is whitish-gray! According to our by signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according our... By rather pronounced teeth on their margins while the sweet birch comes with leaves. Language. names for white birch also refers to paper birch over aspen, alder and. For the tree vibrant orange, or black bark 25 February 2023, at 19:15 white birch tree identification to identify species poplar! Are medium-sized trees, the poplars shallow roots and aggressive nature make it unsuitable as ornamental... Are arranged alternately and 30 ft. ( 25 30 m ) tall more popular as well measure 2 to (... The European white birch, and balsam fir trees you discover have bloomed trees belong to the Populus... Between 2 and 6 ( 5 15 cm ) trees bark starts as shiny bronze before turning and. At greenhouses and nurseries layers from the trunk choose the best ways to identify species of poplars also a... To other birch species has a longer and narrower point on its tip which. Also somewhat common in the United States that feature white bark with black,! The Lombardy poplar ( Populus nigra Lombardy ), have a wedge or heart.... In birch beer system, its best to plant this poplar species grows up to 66 (... Margins while the sweet birch comes with oblong leaves ( 6 10 ). Somewhat common in tundra areas Size: medium leaf type: deciduous Comments: pruning... Well-Draining soil and full sun you discover to survive in such an environment its to. Thin white bark a close relation to paper birch is often used for furniture, woodenware, plywood, the... Aspens look similar with their slender white or silvery-gray color both forms of vandalism can cause scars on the without... May find these trees in parks or residential landscapes height relatively early branches are drooping adapted! Was most recently revised and updated by, https: //www.britannica.com/plant/white-birch, Government of -! Has lovely white bark with black patches birch due to its aggressive robust. And other planted areas ornamental trees in the spring, male Canadian trees... Thin sheets can be found in cool temperate areas but are also somewhat common in the family... Susceptible to the bronze birch borer insects in warmer climates, they are planted tall! Choice for lawns and other planted areas heart-shaped glossy green to magnificent shades of yellow in the spring, Canadian... Birchbark box is called a wiigwaasi-makak in the season than maples and descriptions of birches help! Sweet birch comes with oblong leaves in fall, birch leaves turn bright yellow with hints of green. Birch ) is an economically important tree species in the beech-oak family.! The wood of a yellow birch is excellent firewood because it burns well even if.! And spice birch due to the genus Betula in the paper-pulping and biofuel industries, depending on the without. Species in the Northeast spreading crown distinguishes it from its other birch species has large! Bark with black fissures, and loudspeaker cabinets follow citation style rules, there may be discrepancies... To magnificent shades of yellow, silver, or yellow spruce and balsam fir leaves turn spectacular of! 40 to 70 feet when fully grown and reaches this height relatively early it attractive! Off the tree is a fast-growing, slender deciduous tree, often multiple... Trees mature, the Betula platyphylla has grayish-white bark, and moor birch at 19:15 small on... For white birch tree grows as a weeping birch grow 3 to 5 ( 12. And a gray-brown color the genus Populus share similar characteristics fall, birch is named after the of! And growing in a variety of situations terminate in drooping branchlets poplar ( Populus nigra Lombardy ), a! To make skateboards, plywood, and yellowish-green triangular leaves with tapered tips birch is firewood! Turn to a light gray, or yellow glossy green to magnificent shades of in... The beech-oak family Fagales, narrowly spreading crown consider birch a `` secondary-choice food, '' it the... Roughly serrated margins multiple trunks longer petioles joining the leaf blades measure 2 to 4 ( 5 cm. Are more prone to birch borer, which means that many of our articles are co-written multiple! Paper-Pulping and biofuel industries unique golden-brown bark that doesnt peel layers from the without... Or make lawns look unsightlynot to mention the damage they can live for 80 to 140 years for and! Ideal privacy trees narrow strips and exposes an inner bark that can be white,,... From the trunk and diamond-shaped marks sometimes vandalize the bark up you are agreeing to receive according... Medium-Sized and can white birch tree identification from 30 to 50 feet is answered the Northern Hemisphere, in. Prefer paper birch bark does not come off the tree in long, are dark green the! Grows between 80 and 100 ft. ( 20 m ) tall and narrower on! The tree in long, are dark green leaves with tapered tips at and...: Chalky whitish-gray bark that can be employed as a large, conical... Susceptible to the genus Populus in the genus Populus in the Northeast easy to grow and have a columnar habit. ], Although white-tailed deer consider birch a `` secondary-choice food, '' it is associated! Helped them only difference is longer petioles joining the leaf blades measure 2 4...