Betula nigra

Plant Details

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General Information

Scientific name: Betula nigra

Also known as: River Birch, Black Birch, Red Birch, Water Birch, River Birch

Images: Google Images

Plant Properties

Layer: Tree

Format: Large

Height: 20.00 m

Width: 10.00 m

Growth Rate: Slow

Leaf: Deciduous

Growth conditions

USDA Hardiness: 3-9

Soil Moisture:
Moist

Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)

pH:
Acid Neutral Basic

Light:
Sun, Half shade

Usage properties

Edible part:
Juice

Edibility:
(3)

Medicinal:
(2)

Features:
Pioneer, Wood

Description

Birch sap can be consumed both raw and cooked, and has a sweet flavor. It is collected in early spring, before the tree's leaves begin to grow. To obtain the sap, a hole approximately 6 mm wide and 4 cm deep is drilled into the trunk. The sap flows best on warm, sunny days after a period of severe frost. The sap can be drunk pure as a refreshing beverage, or it can be concentrated into syrup or sugar. It can even be fermented to make birch beer or vinegar. An old English recipe for brewing birch beer involves mixing birch sap with honey, boiling it with cloves and lime peel, and adding beer for fermentation. The resulting beer is described as mild and safe to consume, increases appetite, and is best drunk before meals.

Harvest Data

Start Harvest: 01/10

End of Harvest: 31/03

Crown Data

Crown Type: Smal Piramidaal

Crown Density: Dichte kroon

Guilds

Guild Information

Click on a plant in the diagram for more information.

Guild Details

Guild	Description
Corylus avellana Hazel	Corylus avellana (hazelnut) can benefit from the nutrient-rich leaf litter of Betula nigra, while also providing additional forage for local wildlife.
Amelanchier alnifolia Serviceberry	Amelanchier alnifolia (saskatoon) can thrive in the dappled shade of Betula nigra while benefiting from its nitrogen-fixing capabilities.
Carya ovata Hickory	Carya ovata (shagbark hickory) pairs well with Betula nigra, as both species enjoy similar soil conditions, enhancing soil structure and health.
Halesia carolina Silver-bell tree	Halesia carolina (silverbell) can thrive under Betula nigra's canopy, benefiting from its protection and improved moisture retention in the soil.
Sambucus canadensis American Elder	Sambucus canadensis (elderberry) can use the shade from Betula nigra to avoid heat stress while also attracting beneficial pollinators to the garden.
Viburnum opulus Highbush cranberry	Viburnum opulus (European cranberrybush) can benefit from the moist environment under the Betula nigra, enhancing productivity and fruit yields.