Die Birke & Birkenholz

The birch & birch wood

The birch - a versatile all-rounder in the forest & at home

There's probably no one in Europe who isn't familiar with the birch (Latin: Betula). This deciduous tree is known for its distinctive white bark. Birches are fast-growing and can reach a height of 30 meters or more. Birch wood offers a wide range of uses , which I will discuss later in my blog.

Location & ecological significance

Birch is found primarily in the Northern Hemisphere, including Europe, North America, Russia, Asia, and Japan. It is considered a pioneer plant in barren areas and is undemanding in terms of soil and climate. Birch trees can reach an age of up to 160 years.

The birch plays a very important ecological role. Many animal species (e.g., the redpoll, black grouse, over 100 butterfly species, etc.) depend on it. The birch provides food and habitat for numerous animal species. Its leaves serve as food for many insects, and its seeds are an important food source for birds in winter.

Unfortunately, allergy sufferers often struggle with birch pollen in spring, which is a highly potent allergen.

There are approximately 50-100 birch species worldwide. The most well-known species include:

  • Common birch / silver birch
  • Himalayan birch
  • Blood birch
  • silver birch
  • Weeping birch
  • Copper birch
  • Silver birch
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