Taxonomy
Betula pubescens | Downy Birch | Beith clúmhach
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
Not protected
Native status
Native
Species Biology
Identification
Flowers: April – May; catkins
Fruits: Small winged seeds
Twigs & bark: Twigs hairy with small brown glands; bark red/brown when young, grey/white
when mature
Habitat
Acid woodland, scrub and roadsides, prefers acidic soils
Life cycle
Perennial
Ex-situ conservation
Not known
Use
Forest crop
Vegetative nature
Woody
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Irish distribution
Widespread and common, widely planted
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024
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Further information
Birch bark was traditionally used in the tanning of leather. The spring sap can be used in traditional beer making and is also used in dental products.
Birch is a colonising tree, used in ancient
times for construction of bog walkways