Despite its graceful appearance, the silver birch is one of Britain’s hardiest trees. In the past its sacred properties made the birch useful for expelling evil spirits from delinquents.

A natural pioneer species, it seeds freely and is able to colonise open land with a preference for lowland. The silver birch - or Betula pendula - is found throughout the country on light, dry soils and is a valuable conservation species.

Facts and stats

• Lifespan: 120 years
• Height: Up to 24 metres tall with spreading lower branches and the rest pointing up.
• Leaves: Triangular, which turn yellow before falling.
• Bark: Its silvery-white upper bark is papery and peeling.
• Insect species it supports: 334
• Native to: Europe, North Africa and West Asia
• Uses: Its pale, smooth timber is a hardwood and silver birch timber is often used in plywood production, brush backs, toys and reels. On a lesser scale, the twigs are cut to make besom brooms and horse jumps.

 

Learn more

• Fun activity sheets for all ages
• Explore the hidden (and not-so-hidden) history in Scotland's forests
• Get to know Scotland's most common trees
• How and where to see the best of Scottish wildlife