Birch

Birch is the name of any tree of the genus Betula, in the family Betulaceae, closely related to the beec/oak family, Fagaceae. These are generally small to medium-size trees or shrubs, mostly of northern temperate climates. The simple leaves may be toothed or lobed. The fruit is a small samara, although the wings may be obscure in some species.

In times past, commercial oil of wintergreen (methyl salicylate) was made from the sweet birch, Betula lenta.

Birches of eastern North America include:

• Betula allegheniensis -- yellow birch
• Betula glandulosa -- dwarf birch
• Betula lenta -- sweet birch (or black birch)
• Betula michauxii -- Newfoundland dwarf birch
• Betula nigra -- river birch
• Betula papyrifera -- white birch (or paperbark birch)
• Betula populifolia -- gray birch
• Betula pumila -- swamp birch
• Betula pendula -- Silver birch, is native to Europe and parts of Asia.

Above; bark of Siver birch (Betula pendula)

Above; timber of Silver birch (Betula pendula)

See also; Trees of Britain, Trees of the world