Betula pubescens
White Birch, Downy birch
Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Betula pubescens.
General Information
Plant Properties
Growth conditions
Well-drained, Moist
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Full sun
Usage properties
Flowers, Inner bark, Leaves, Sap, Tea
Adhesive, Charcoal, Dye, Essential oil, Fibre, Cosmetic use, Paper, Pioneer species, Repellent, Wood, Fragrant, Bee forage
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.