Overview
The Silver birch, the national tree of Finland, is a species of birch tree native to northern Asia, Europe and Siberia. The Silver birch has the scientific name Betula pendula and is a close relative of another European birch called the downy birch.
Growth
A Silver birch can grow to be as tall as 80 feet. It experiences rapid growth during the first 20 years and matures by the time it is 40 years old.
Bark
The Silver birch garners its name from the fact that as it matures the bark turns a silvery gray. Young trees have almost pinkish bark. By the time the tree is old, its bark has darkened considerably and taken on a rough and fissured appearance.
Leaves
The leaves of the Silver birch are diamond-shaped, and they have toothed edges. They grow on thin stems that cause them to flutter in even a very light breeze.
Time Frame
Silver birch flowers appear in April and May before developing into fruit by late June. The fruit ripens in September and goes to seed while the leaves fall off after turning yellow, typically in November.
Uses
When treated, Silver birch wood makes good fence posts. Its twigs were often a component in kitchen whisks and brooms. In spring, some people tap the tree and use its sap as an ingredient in a dry wine.
- Arkive: Silver Birch
- Author's Den: Silver Birch Tree
Keywords:
silver birch tree, Betula pendula, brooms making
About this Author
John Lindell has written articles for "The Greyhound Review" and various other online publications. A Connecticut native, his work specializes in sports, fishing and nature. Lindell worked in greyhound racing for 25 years.
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