Betula pendula · Betulaceae (birch family)
With its white bark and drooping branches, the silver birch is one of the most recognisable trees in northern Europe — and one of the first to move into open ground.
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Betula pendula |
| Family | Betulaceae (birch family) |
| Native range | Most of Europe and into western and central Asia |
| Habitat | Open woodland, heaths and forest edges |
| Typical height | 15–25 m |
| Lifespan | 80–150 years |
| IUCN status | Least Concern (LC) |
Overview
Silver birch is a pioneer species. Its tiny winged seeds blow long distances and quickly colonise cleared land, burnt areas and abandoned fields, preparing the ground for slower-growing trees like oak and pine.
How to identify it
Look for white, papery bark with black diamond-shaped patches, drooping twigs, and triangular, double-toothed leaves. Long catkins appear in spring.
Ecology
Birch leaves enrich the soil as they decay. The tree supports hundreds of insect species and is linked with fungi such as the fly agaric and birch polypore.
Uses and culture
Birch sap is tapped in spring for drinks, the bark has long been used for baskets and writing, and the wood makes plywood and furniture. It is the national tree of Finland. Listed as Least Concern.
