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(Return to Family List)
The birch family includes two genera of deciduous shrubs or trees common in western Washington: Corylus (hazelnut) and Alnus (alder). Betula (birch) is the type for the family, and Hall's birch (B. glandulosa var. hallii) is occasionally seen in the south Puget Sound. Paper birch (B. papyrifera) is common on the east side of the Cascades and occurs on the west side only in the northwest corner of the state. Of course, paper birch can also be seen in gardens. The male and female flowers in this family are separate but typically on the same individuals. The male flowers are always in catkins, but the female flowers and fruits vary in structure. The leaves of all these genera are simple, alternate, and have serrate margins.
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