SafePlants

Downy Birch (Betula pubescens)

The Downy Birch, also known as Moor Birch, White Birch, European White Birch, or Hairy Birch, is a common tree found throughout the UK, northern Europe, and northern Asia. It is closely related to the Silver Birch (Betula pendula) and can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from it.

Considerations for Pets and Children

• Downy Birch produces catkins, which may be of interest to pets or children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Betula pubescens
• Common Names: Downy Birch, Moor Birch, White Birch, European White Birch, Hairy Birch
• Family: Betulaceae (Birch Family)
• Synonyms: Betula alba var. pubescens, Betula alba subsp. pubescens

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the UK, northern Europe, and northern Asia.
• Common in Scotland, particularly as a vital part of the Caledonian Forest.
• Often found on badly-drained heaths and damper, peaty soils, especially in the north and west.
• Thrives at high altitudes.
• Found on heathland, moorland, and mountainsides, as well as damp soils.

Ecological Role

• Downy Birch is a pioneer tree, meaning it is one of the first trees to colonize new or cleared land.
• Important species of tree in upland woodlands.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• A broadleaf, deciduous tree.
• Medium-sized, typically reaching a height of 17-22 meters when fully grown.
• Can sometimes be shrubby.
• Narrow, conical tree with more upright, ascending branches than the pendulous Silver Birch.
• Has distinctive grey-white bark, especially when mature. Young shoots are downy.
• Leaves have coarsely toothed edges and are a duller green than silver birch, on a shorter leaf-stalk (7-15 mm in length).
• Produces grey catkins in winter, which turn yellow in spring as they open to shed.

Quirky Facts

• The name 'birch' is believed to derive from the Sanskrit 'bhurga', meaning "a tree whose bark is used for writing upon," reflecting the historical use of birch bark as a writing surface.