Betula pendula

Plant Details

Back

General Information

Scientific name: Betula pendula

Also known as: Birches

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: 2-6

Soil Moisture:
Permeable, Moist

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

pH:
Acid Neutral Basic

Light:
Sun

Usage properties

Edible part:
Flowers, Inner bark, Leaves, Juice, Tea

Edibility:
(3)

Medicinal:
(3)

Features:
Glue, Charcoal, Dye, Ethereal oil, Fibers, Cosmetic, Paper, Pioneer, Repellent, Wood, Fragrant, Bee plant

Description

The inner bark of the birch can be cooked or dried and then ground into flour. It can serve as a thickening agent for soups and can be mixed with regular flour for baking bread and cookies. Usually, the bark is only used when other starch sources are not available. The sap of the wild birch, harvested before the leaves unfold in early spring by tapping the trunk, has a sweet taste. It can be drunk fresh or boiled down to syrup by allowing the water to evaporate. The sap can also be fermented into beer. An old English recipe suggests mixing each liter of birch sap with a quarter jar of honey and then boiling it with cloves and lime peels. After cooling, add 3 to 4 tablespoons of beer. The young leaves of the birch can be eaten raw or cooked. Tea can be made from both the leaves and the essential oils from the birch bark.

Harvest Data

Start Harvest: 01/08

End of Harvest: 30/09

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 (hazel) grows well in the shade of Betula pendula and provides edible nuts while attracting beneficial insects.
Sambucus nigra European elder	Sambucus nigra (black elder) thrives in similar conditions and provides flowers and berries that attract pollinators and can be used for medicinal purposes.
Prunus avium Sweet cherry	Prunus avium (sweet cherry) benefits from the shelter provided by the birch and produces delicious fruits that are enjoyed by both humans and wildlife.
Satureja montana Winter Savory	Satureja montana (winter savory) can thrive in the dappled sunlight under the birch and attracts beneficial insects while being a tasty culinary herb.
Prunus domestica Plum	Prunus domestica (plum) can grow well under the shelter of the birch and provides fruits that are beneficial for wildlife and people.