Betula pubescens
Plant Details
General Information
Scientific name:
Betula pubescens
Also known as:
White Birch, Downy 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:
2-9
Soil Moisture:
Permeable, Moist
Permeable, Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
pH:
Acid Neutral Basic
Acid Neutral Basic
Light:
Sun
Sun
Usage properties
Edible part:
Flowers, Inner bark, Leaves, Juice, Tea
Flowers, Inner bark, Leaves, Juice, Tea
Edibility:
Medicinal:
Features:
Glue, Charcoal, Dye, Ethereal oil, Fibers, Cosmetic, Paper, Pioneer, Repellent, Wood, Fragrant, Bee plant
Glue, Charcoal, Dye, Ethereal oil, Fibers, Cosmetic, Paper, Pioneer, Repellent, Wood, Fragrant, Bee plant
Description
The inner bark of the birch can be boiled, dried, and ground into flour. It is used as a thickening agent in soups and can be mixed with regular flour to make bread and cookies. Generally, the inner bark is only used when no other sources of starch are available. The sap of the raw birch has a sweet taste and is collected before the leaves bud in early spring. The sap can be consumed raw or boiled down into syrup by evaporating the water. It can also be fermented into birch beer according to an old English recipe. The young leaves of the birch can be eaten raw or cooked, and tea can be made from them, including tea with essential oils from the bark.
Harvest Data
Start Harvest:
01/09
End of Harvest:
31/10
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 |
|---|---|
|
Betula pendula Birches |
Increases biodiversity and provides better habitat for wildlife. |
|
Salix alba Willow |
Willow can improve moisture retention in soil, benefiting birch trees. |
|
Corylus avellana Hazel |
Hazel provides nutrients and attracts pollinators to the garden. |
|
Amelanchier alnifolia Serviceberry |
Serviceberry offers fruit for wildlife and helps with soil health. |
|
Viburnum opulus Highbush cranberry |
Viburnum attracts beneficial insects and provides a diverse food source. |
|
Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn, Oneseed hawthorn |
Hawthorn provides stability to the ecosystem and acts as a windbreak. |
|
Morus alba White mulberry |
Mulberry trees enhance the soil with their leaf litter, enriching the ground. |
|
Juglans regia English Walnut |
Walnut trees provide shade and help in moisture conservation around birch. |
|
Tilia cordata Small Leaved Lime |
Lime trees support beneficial insects and improve air quality. |
|
Quercus robur English oak |
Oak trees increase biodiversity and provide acorns as food for wildlife. |