Did you know that birch trees can be used to make everything from pancake syrup to cosmetics? Read on to learn more birch tree key facts, as well as how to tell the difference between birch and aspen trees.
Quick Facts about Birch Trees
| Family: | Betulaceae |
| Genus: | Betula |
| Description: | Medium-sized deciduous tree with white, silver, yellow, gray, or black bark. Some species have 3 or more main trunks rising from the root system. Leaves have serrated edges and are triangular in shape; they are yellow-green or gray-green in the summer and they turn yellow in the autumn. They have shallow, sprawling root systems that often break through the surface of the ground. |
| Average Height: | 30 to 50 feet; may grow up to 80 feet tall under ideal growing conditions. |
| Average Lifespan: | 50 to 100 years; may live up to 200 years given proper nutrition and habitat. |
| Geographical Distribution: | Widely distributed throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. |
| Native Habitat: | Moist woodlands and near bodies of water in cool, temperate climates. Birch trees prefer moist, loamy soil and can tolerate temperatures as low as -50 degrees Fahrenheit. |
| Number of Species: | 40 to 60 known species. |
| Properties: | – Birch wood is strong and highly flammable. – Birch bark is lightweight, waterproof, and has some medicinal qualities. – The leaves and sap of birch trees are edible and nutritious. |
| Uses: | – Birch wood is used for firewood. – Birch wood can be used for various carpentry, woodworking, and crafting needs. – Birch wood is sometimes used to make paper. – Birch bark can be used for crafting and medicinal needs. – Birch contains substances used in pharmaceutical drugs, cosmetics, and soaps. – Birch leaves are sometimes used for tea. – Birch sap is used as a sugar substitute and to make syrup. – Birch sap is sometimes used for making beer and wine. – Birch trees are often used in gardening and landscaping as ornamental trees. |
What Are Birch Trees?
Birch trees are deciduous trees that grow near water sources throughout the northern hemisphere. Similar to aspens, birch trees are known for their beautiful light-colored bark and bright yellow fall foliage.
Birch trees produce flower clusters known as catkins. These flowers produce small fruits called samaras.
According to the Arbor Day Foundation, birch trees are an essential food source for moose, deer, hares, beavers, birds, and other wildlife. Birch also has a wide variety of human uses, as different parts of the tree can be used for things such as carpentry, medicine, and landscaping.
Birch trees are sensitive to heat and drought, but they are more cold tolerant than most deciduous trees. Some species can tolerate temperatures up to 50 degrees below zero (F).
How to Identify Birch Trees
Birch trees are pretty easy to identify thanks to their light-colored bark and triangular leaves. Its closest look alike is the aspen, but there are a few ways to tell birches and aspens apart.
Birch tree leaves are longer and more spear-shaped, while aspen trees have more stout, rounded leaves. In addition, birch trees have looser, more papery bark that tends to peel away from the trunk, while aspens have more tightly-wrapped, greenish-tinted white bark.
Birch trees are medium-sized trees that tend to grow in groups. They sometimes have multiple trunks rising from the tree’s base.
They prefer loamy soil, so they are often found in woodlands and near bodies of water.
For more information about telling the difference between birch and aspen trees, check out the following video.
Conclusion
Birch trees are beautiful trees that grow throughout the Northern Hemisphere. They have many amazing uses and provide a crucial food source for wildlife during the fall and winter. Check out our guides on trimming and saving dying birch trees.
Read also about other forest trees – here are our guides about Chestnut, Elm, Maple.