Types of mushroom in the UK: common identification guide, Top tips for an eco-friendly and sustainable Christmas, Staying safe in our woods during the pandemic. Common Name(s): Downy Birch, European White Birch Scientific Name: Betula pubescens Distribution: Northern Europe, Asia, Iceland, and Greenland Tree Size: 33-65 ft (10-20 m) tall, 1-2 ft (.3-.6 m) trunk … A young silver birch leaf Flowers. The leaves turn yellow in autumn. It was used to make bobbins, spools and reels for the Lancashire cotton industry; and herbal medicines were made from different parts of the tree. Bundles of birch twigs were used to drive out the spirits of the old year, and gardeners still use the birch besom, or broom, to 'purify' their gardens. VAT No. The bark of downy birch isn’t as white and papery as silver birch. Tell us what's happening to the trees around you and help scientists track the effects of climate change on wildlife. GB520 6111 04. Autumn leaf identification quiz: can you identify these 10 trees? In early Celtic mythology, the birch symbolised renewal and purification. Although slow to awaken in spring, by late…, Volunteer to help wildlife in your local area. It is also used as a symbol of love and fertility. The shoots are grey-brown with fine downy. Registered charity number 207238. A plethora of wildlife reaps the benefits of downy birch. Both can get to 20m (65ft) have silvery white bark and a … The downy birch has been found to have extended the farthest north than any other broadleaf tree, which showcases its hardy nature and tolerance of wet and cold conditions. Downy birch, also known as white birch, is a very variable tree. They flower when coming into leaf in the spring. Help us get 50 million trees in the ground. Opportunities range from community gardening, species surveying, caring for nature…, The Wildlife Trusts: Protecting Wildlife for the Future. The Woodland Trust is a charity registered in England and Wales (No. In Scottish Highland folklore, a barren cow herded with a birch stick would become fertile, and a pregnant cow would bear a healthy calf. Leaf stalks are downy, as opposed to hairless like the silver birch. We have single trees and tree packs to meet your needs, from wildlife to woodfuel. Its branches are elegant and droop to form a light canopy. Downy birch is monoecious, meaning both male and female flowers (catkins) are found on the same tree. Soft on the outside. Our commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI), Different types of protected wildlife sites. Leaf stalks are downy, as opposed to hairless on silver birch. Birch leaves are a source of food for various butterflies. Silver birch has hairless and warty shoots whereas downy birch shoots are covered in small, downy hairs. In spring, the rising sap can be used to make refreshing drinks, wines, ales and liqueurs; while the bark is used for tanning leather. Delivery is free. This often means downy birch is the more common birch in Ireland and Scotland and at higher altitudes. The bark is greyish-white and peeling, with horizontal lines and dark branch scars. Look out for: bark which is grey-white, and triangular-shaped leaves.Identified in winter by: bark which is white all year round and twigs that are softly hairy to the touch. The diamond-shaped, sharply toothed leaves have a rough upper surface when young, with down on the veins of the underside of the leaf and on the leaf-stalks. Having many similarities to the silver birch, the downy birch can be distinguished by its smother twigs and slightly rounded ovate shaped leaf. Its bark is often darker than the silver birch, particularly at its base. Downy birch is monoecious, meaning both male and female flowers (catkins) are found on the same tree. It is so-called for the hairy stalks from which its … Betula pubescens is commonly known as downy birch, with other common names including moor birch, white birch, European white birch or hairy birch. It is so-called for the hairy stalks from which its leaves grow; the Silver Birch is hairless. They hang in groups of two to four at the tips of shoots, like lambs' tails; while female catkins are smaller, short, bright green and erect. Leaf and bark. The silver birch has pointed, triangular leaves. Many people find it difficult to distinguish between Betula pendula – Silver Birch and Betula pubescens – Downy Birch, particularly when they are young. Downy birch is a valuable tree for a whole host of wildlife. Leaf. Around the world, it can grow further north than any other broadleaf species. Birch seedlings Leaves. The leaves attract aphids, providing food for ladybirds and other species further up the food chain. 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