Silver Birch
ExploreTrees
Silver Birch
Betula pendula
The Silver Birch is a beautiful tree with white bark that looks like it's covered in snow! It has green leaves that turn yellow in the fall.
Habitat: Forests, parks, and open spaces
Appearance
The Silver Birch has striking, papery white bark that peels in horizontal strips, often marked with dark diamond-shaped fissures. Its slender, elegant branches gently droop, adorned with small, triangular green leaves that turn bright yellow in autumn.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderFagalesFamilyBetulaceaeGenusBetula
Category
TreesRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
1
Interesting facts
Its papery bark was once used like paper for writing messages in ancient times.
People tap birch trees in spring to collect their sweet, refreshing sap for drinks!
Silver Birch is a 'pioneer tree,' often the first to grow in open areas after disturbances!
The strong, pale wood of Silver Birch is popular for making furniture and plywood.
Special abilities
Ability
Peeling Protection
Silver Birch has bark that peels like paper, allowing its trunk to grow while also protecting it from harsh weather.
Ability
Windy Wanderer
Its tiny, lightweight seeds can float far on the wind, helping it quickly spread and find new sunny places to grow.
Ability
Flexible Dancer
The tree's slender branches are incredibly flexible, helping it bend and sway in strong winds without breaking.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 15-30 m
- Canopy Spread
- 5-10 m
- Edible
- Yes
- Trunk Diameter
- 30-75 cm
- Lifespan
- 60-100 years
- Fruit Type
- Winged nutlet
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
Ecological connections
symbiotic with
Birch Brittlegill
Russula betularum
Fungus grows on its roots.
eaten by
Common Redpoll
Carduelis flammea
Feeds on its small seeds.
shelters
Great Tit
Parus major
Often nests in tree cavities.
Traits
Deciduous
Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
Broadleaf Tree
Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.
Fall Color
Fall color refers to the seasonal change in foliage pigmentation, primarily in deciduous plants, displaying vibrant hues.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Also known as
Betula albaEuropean White Birch
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Do not pick or eat anything you find. Some plants and mushrooms can be harmful.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Silver Birch?
15-30 m
How wide does Silver Birch spread?
5-10 m
Is Silver Birch edible?
Yes
How big is Silver Birch?
30-75 cm
How long does Silver Birch live?
60-100 years
Where is Silver Birch usually found?
Forests, parks, and open spaces
What kind of fruit does Silver Birch produce?
Winged nutlet
How fast does Silver Birch grow?
Fast
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
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