Betula sp.
Birch, Birch
Family: Betulaceae · Type: Shrub · Variable; species dependent
Betula sp. (Birch) is a non-native California shrub in the Betulaceae family.
How to tell it apart
vs Populus: Betula has catkins that disintegrate with three-lobed scales; Populus has capsules that split to release cottony seeds.; vs Alnus: Betula catkins completely disintegrate when ripe; Alnus catkins form persistent woody cone-like structures.; vs Platanus: Betula has alternate toothed leaves and disintegrating catkins; Platanus has palmately lobed leaves and ball-like seed clusters.; vs Quercus: Betula has small winged seeds from catkins; Quercus has acorns in caps.; vs Acer: Betula has alternate leaves and tiny winged seeds; Acer has opposite lobed leaves and paired winged seeds.
Frequently asked questions
Is Betula sp. native to California?
No. Betula sp. is not native to California (recorded as variable; species dependent).
What plant family does Betula sp. belong to?
Betula sp. is in the Betulaceae family, genus Betula.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.