DOWNY BIRCH – Betula pubescens: [ 31 & 64 ]
Grows to 30m with grey-white bark. Triangular green leaves are slightly rounded at the base and formed on hairy/downy stalks. Long male brown-yellow catkins form from May to June. Female catkins appear on the same trees, smaller and short green forms that once pollinated, thicken and change to dark crimson. Masses of tiny seeds are wind dispersed in autumn. Provides a habitat for many species of insects, home for woodpeckers and seeds for redpolls and siskin birds. The wood is tough and used for handles and furniture. The sap can be made into drinks and the bark is used for tanning leather.
Grows to 30m with grey-white bark. Triangular green leaves are slightly rounded at the base and formed on hairy/downy stalks. Long male brown-yellow catkins form from May to June. Female catkins appear on the same trees, smaller and short green forms that once pollinated, thicken and change to dark crimson. Masses of tiny seeds are wind dispersed in autumn. Provides a habitat for many species of insects, home for woodpeckers and seeds for redpolls and siskin birds. The wood is tough and used for handles and furniture. The sap can be made into drinks and the bark is used for tanning leather.
