Betula pendula
FAMILY NAME Betulaceae
CHARACTERISTICS Light green fading to yellow in autumn, triangular-shaped leaves with toothed edge, to about 7cm (2¾in) long
HABITAT Dry woodlands, downs, heaths and gardens
DISTRIBUTION Europe, Siberia, Turkey, Caucasus
FLOWERS AND FRUIT Male catkins are yellowy brown, females short and bright green. Once pollinated, female catkins turn deep crimson. Masses of seeds are dispersed by the wind in autumn
Silver Birch leaves have been used since ancient times as a diuretic. Also known for their antiseptic properties, they were included in remedies for bladder infections and kidney stones. The tree itself is associated with the coming of spring. The Celts valued its cleansing properties and used bundles of birch twigs to drive out the spirits of the old year. This later evolved into a tradition known as ‘beating the bounds’. Birches help other plants by improving soil condition – they draw nutrients up from deep underground and release them back into the soil when leaves are shed in autumn.