Downy Birch
Irish - Beith chlúmhach
Ulster-Scots - Birk or birktree
Family - Betulaceae
Characteristics
- Downy birch is a short-lived tree growing to 15m (45ft).
- In their early years, they may grow up to one metre a year.
- The young shoots are velvety with soft white hairs.
- Bark is first red-brown, but becomes a smooth grey-white without the black diamonds seen on silver birch.
Season
- Birch may begin to produce seed when six or seven years old.
- Male catkins shed pollen in April. The female flowers (borne on the same tree) develop into bracts, each bearing dozens of winged seed. These ripen in September and October.
Preferred Environment
- Downy birch is found chiefly on acid soils and prefers damp sites.
- It is found in fens, bogs, by lakes, and in areas of high rainfall or impeded drainage.
- Birch produce seed abundantly and is able to colonise open ground with quick growing, light demanding seedlings.
- It is often the dominant vegetation until taller growing trees overtop it.
- Downy birch grow well in poorly drained areas where other birch may not thrive.
Wildlife Associations
- There are 229 identified insect species that are associated with downy birch.
- They are popular food sources for seed-eating birds.
Uses
- The sap can be harvested to make wine.
- Birch bark is used for tanning certain kinds of leather.
- The most familiar use of birch is for making traditional broomsticks.
- It is important to the timber industry, not directly for timber, but as a nurse crop to young timber trees.