Taxonomy
Betula pendula | Silver Birch | Beith gheal
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
Not protected
Native status
Native
Species Biology
Identification
Flowers: April – May; catkins
Fruits: Small winged seeds
Twigs & bark: Twigs hairless with raised white glands; bark red/brown when young, white
when mature
Habitat
Stony lake shores, raised-bog margins and woods
Life cycle
Perennial
Ex-situ conservation
Not known
Use
Forest crop
Vegetative nature
Woody
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Irish distribution
Occasional, widely planted
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024
The following map is interactive. If you would prefer to view it full screen then click here.
Further information
Forest crop. Used in Scandinavian countries to produce pulp and wood products. Planted in Ireland mostly for aesthetic purposes. The Silver Birch is Finland's national tree. Boughs of the tree (called vista)are sometimes used to beat tired muscles in the sauna.
Can be invasive on heathlands