Birch (Betula Alba) is a hardy tree - also called white birch - can reach heights of up to 70 feet. The white birch tree is a versatile plant that grows in U.S. The bark of young trees is brownish-brown, and whitens from 8-10 years. Leaves are ovoid, short-pointed at the apex, with a rounded, less heart-shaped or truncated base. The tree is monoecious, but the catkins are dioecious. A nut about 2 mm long, oblong-elliptic. Relatively short-lived, lives up to 120 years.