3-12 Betulaceae, birch family

Marian C. Munro; Ruth E. Newell; Nicholas M. Hill

Authors

Marian C. Munro Nova Scotia Museum, Halifax, NS
Ruth E. Newell E. C. Smith Herbarium, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia
Nicholas M. Hill Fernhill Institute, Kentville, Nova Scotia; Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Keywords:

Magnoliophyte, birch family, dicots, Alnus, Betula, Corylus, Ostrya, alder, ironwood, hazelnut, catkins, trees, shrubs.

Abstract

Betulaceae is a family of trees and shrubs included in six genera; four of which contain species native to Nova Scotia. Mostly ranging throughout the northern hemisphere, 120 species are found worldwide, generally in temperate climates. Flowers are unisexual; species are monoecious. Staminate catkins are pendulous; pistillate catkins are erect or pendulous, usually firm and often woody. Petals are lacking; sepals tend to be tiny. Fruit is a samara or a nut with a single seed. Leaves are simple, alternate and mostly serrate. Venation is straight and pinnate. Photographs by Martin Thomas, Sean Blaney, Marian Munro, Alain Belliveau, and David Mazerolle.

Author Biographies

Marian C. Munro, Nova Scotia Museum, Halifax, NS

Curator of Botany (NSPM)

Ruth E. Newell, E. C. Smith Herbarium, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia

Curator of the E. C. Smith Herbarium (ACAD)

Nicholas M. Hill, Fernhill Institute, Kentville, Nova Scotia; Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Director; Adjunct Professor