Paper birch

One or more breaking leaf buds are visible (the green leaf tip is visible). This is before the first leaf has unfolded to expose the leaf base. Note the key is seeing the bud open. Photo by JAS.

Leaves have not yet reached full size (2-4” long). Photo by TK.

One or more live, unfolded leaves (the entire length has emerged from a bud, so that the leaf stalk or leaf base is visible). Photo by JAS.

One or more leaves show yellow or brown due to seasonal changes, drought or other stresses. Photo by JAS.

One or more open or unopened flowers or buds are visible. Birch have separate male and female plants and typically bloom in May. Photo TK.

One or more open, fresh flowers are visible with reproductive parts (male stamens or female pistils) visible. In ash, flowers are open when they are open and loose. Photo TK.

One or more fruits are visible on the plant. In birch, the fruit is initially green and looks cone-like. Photo JAS.

One or more ripe fruits are visible on the plant. In birch, the fruit is ripe when it is tan/brown and readily drops when touched. Photo TK.