Paper Birch 2023-04-09 (Fairbanks, AK, USA)

Fairbanks vegetation remains dormant as winter clings on, but the sun is getting high, and breakup should be in the next few weeks. From some online research today, I understand that one advantage of having bark constantly peeling, is that lichens and other things that attached to the bark are always being peeled off, leaving the bark fresh and clean.

Paper Birch Exhibit A

Paper Birch Exhibit B

If I'm not mistaken, I believe the brown, drooping catkins will soon be releasing their seeds. I never paid attention to this before, but I do seem to remember seeing the seeds on melting snow, in previous years. Looking close, one can also see the green buds ready to go into action.

Paper Birch Exhibit C

Paper Birch Exhibit D