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northern birch

Scientific Name: Betula borealis

Family: Betulaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Tree, Subshrub, Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Northern Birch and Northern Birch Mouse: A Botanical and Zoological Overview

Northern Birch Mouse

  • Scientific Name: Sicista betulina
  • Common Name: Northern birch mouse

The northern birch mouse (Sicista betulina) is a small rodent, not a plant, despite the name association with birch trees. It is a member of the Dipodidae family.

Morphology and Size
  • The northern birch mouse is a small rodent measuring about 5 to 8 cm long (excluding the tail) and weighing between 5 and 13 g.
  • Distinguishing characteristics include a long tail and a black eel back.
Distribution and Habitat
  • This species has a wide distribution across northern Europe and Asia, ranging from Denmark, Norway, and Austria in the west to Lake Baikal in Russia in the east.
  • In Germany, it is found specifically in the federal states of Schleswig-Holstein and Bavaria.
  • It is associated with birch forests.
Ecology
  • The northern birch mouse is listed in Annex IV of the Habitats Directive.

Birch Tree

While not directly related to the mouse, the text includes numerous references to "Northern Birch" in the context of trees and wood products. It's important to differentiate the animal (mouse) from the tree.

Traditional Uses
  • Birch sap is a traditional drink in Northern Europe, Russia, and Northern China. It is also bottled and sold commercially.
Morphology
  • The wood of birch trees can be cream or light brown-tinged with red, with thin, nearly white layers.
Products
  • Birch wood is used in various products, including solid wood board flooring, plywood, poles, logs, branches, slabs, and furniture.
Ecology
  • Northern birch forests are considered fragile ecosystems.
  • Outbreaks of foliage-eating insects can occur in these forests, potentially influenced by climatic changes.

Resources and Further Information

  • Encyclopaedia Britannica offers updated online encyclopedia articles about the northern birch mouse.
  • The Heritage Lottery Fund has supported the Birch Lane Heroes project.

Quirky Facts

  • The text mentions a company called "Northern Birch Guy" that delivers nature to your doorstep.