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Downy Birch

©Pieter Edelman

Downy birch

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Scientific name: Betula pubescens
A spindly tree of heathland and moorlands, and damp soils, the Downy birch is well known for its paper-thin, white bark. It is so-called for the hairy stalks from which its leaves grow; the Silver Birch is hairless.

Top facts

Stats

Height: up to 30m

Conservation status

Common.

When to see

January to December

About

The Downy birch is a small, spindly tree with thin branches and papery bark. It is found on heathland, moorland and mountainsides, as well as on damp soils. In spring, the male catkins (or 'lamb's tails') turn yellow and shed their pollen, which is carried by the wind to the short, green, female catkins that appear on the same tree. In winter, the fertilised catkins that have hung on the tree all summer, will break up into winged seeds, ready to disperse.

What to look for

Birches are easily recognised by their white, papery bark. The Downy birch is a more upright, less 'weeping', tree than the Silver birch. Its leaves are more rounded and grow on hairy stalks, hence the name, 'Downy'.

Where to find

Widespread.

Habitats

Did you know?

During the winter, birch seeds are a favourite food for visiting and resident Siskins and Lesser redpolls.