Plant ð²
ð²
Betula pendula
| Size | 15â25 m About the height of a 6-storey building |
|---|---|
| Lifespan | 80â120 years |
| Rarity | Common |
| M vs F | N/A â trees have separate male and female catkins on the same tree |
| Habitat | Woodland, heathland, moorland edges, disturbed ground â a pioneer species that colonises bare soil |
| Best time | Year-round; catkins in April, golden leaves in October |
| Conservation | UK: Green LC |
Did you know?
Silver Birch is one of the first trees to colonise bare or disturbed land â and one of the first to be lost as other trees grow up and shade it out, making it a restless pioneer
Silver Birch is one of the first trees to colonise bare or disturbed land â and one of the first to be lost as other trees grow up and shade it out, making it a restless pioneer
More for experts
A single birch tree can support over 300 species of invertebrates â its leaves, bark, fungal associations and deadwood are all critical for specialist wildlife
Often confused with
Downy Birch (rounded leaves, hairy twigs, more upland â very similar), Alder (dark bark, cones, near water)
Downy Birch (rounded leaves, hairy twigs, more upland â very similar), Alder (dark bark, cones, near water)