Birch

Birch is the name of any tree of the genus Betula, in the family Betulaceae, closely related to the beech/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