The tree with the striking white-black bark impresses with its picturesque appearance. Reason enough to get to know the birch tree in more detail in the profile: In addition to the most important data and facts, you will find out here which special properties make the birch tree so distinctive in addition to its unique appearance.
What are the characteristics of the birch tree in the profile?
The birch (Betula Pendula) is a deciduous deciduous tree from the birch family. It can grow to 20-30 m high, has white-black bark and oval-triangular leaves. Flowering time is from March to May, fruiting time is from August to September. Birch trees are common in Europe, North America and Asia.
Get to know the birch tree in the profile
- Name: Common Birch
- Scientific name: Betula Pendula
- Alternative names: white birch, sand birch, silver birch
- Number of different species: around 50
- Family: Birch family (Betulaceae)
- Appearance: deciduous deciduous tree
- Height: 20 to 30 m
- Age: up to around 150 years
- Origin: native
- Distribution area: Europe, North America, Asia
- Preferred locations: sunny to light partial shade
- Soil: dry to slightly moist, sandy to loamy
- Fruits: small brown-yellow nut, approx. 2 to 3 mm, winged
- Fruit ripening: August to September
- Flowers: male catkins approx. 10 cm long and striking yellow, female flowers 2-4 cm and inconspicuous
- Flowering time: March to May
- Leaf: oval to slightly triangular, serrated edge, arranged alternately
- Bark: white with black longitudinal cracks
Birch growth habit
Birches decorate gardens, streets, parks and forests with a striking appearance: their long, continuous trunk flows into a loose crown. What is particularly characteristic is the usually very light to bright white color of the bark. Overhanging branches and acute-angled twigs are also typical of the Betula Pendula. In addition, the growth form proves to be extremely diverse. During the flowering period, the male yellow catkins catch the eye.
Interesting facts about the birch tree
White birch is the most common type of birch in Germany. However, the picturesque tree becomes a burden for pollen allergy sufferers between March and April. Since pollination of birch trees takes place exclusively via the wind, they release a particularly high level of pollen compared to other trees. However, due to this very effective reproduction method, the birch is also one of the pioneer plants. Their demands on the condition of the soil are low. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that it is precisely birch trees that, when set up as a maypole, symbolize a token of love.
Birches have female and male flowers on the same tree, so they are monoecious. They produce flowers for the first time after just five years, and free-standing specimens are sexually mature after about ten years.
Special features
Birch extracts, especially from its leaves and bark, are known primarily for their medicinal effects. The essential oils and valuable plant substances contained are used in cosmetics to care for skin and hair. Medically, they can have an anti-inflammatory and diuretic effect, which can benefit a wide range of symptoms, such as chronic inflammatory diseases or kidney stones. Traditionally, detoxification treatments are a popular use for birch leaf teas.
Tips and Tricks
The birch is by far the most light-hungry forest tree in all of Europe. In addition, it is very easy to care for. With a rather low water requirement and a frost hardiness of -36 to +40 degrees Celsius, the tree can withstand extreme conditions. But the better the light and water supply, the more lush the birch will grow.