Native trees / Medium trees / Silver birch
| Family name | Birch |
|---|---|
| Latin family name | Betulaceae |
| Type of tree | Deciduous, and native |
| Average height | 18-25m |
| Leaf size | not available |
| Leaf colour | Pale green, golden-yellow in autumn |
| Leaf bursts | March to April |
| Flower size | not available |
| Flower colour | not available |
| Flower bursts | April to May |
| Fruit size | not available |
| Fruit colour | Brown |
| Fruit bursts | September to October |
| Soil type/enviromental conditions | Sandy or acidic soils although common in most conditions. |
| Tree lore and folklore | Birch, the tree of Venus, is believed to protect against evil spirits and the evil eye. It symbolises love and fertility. In medieval times, a bundle of birch twigs was carried by the local magistrate on his way to court as a symbol of his authority and as a means of correction. The use of the ‘birch’ as a punishment probably originates in the need to drive out evil spirits. Birch sap was recommended by Culpepper to disperse kidney and bladder stones, and as a mouthwash. Birch tar was used in ointments for eczema and other skin conditions. |
