Week 4 - Betula pendula; Silver Birch
In a series of seasonal tree idents, it had to turn up sooner or later. You all know this one, because whatever the season the white bark is prominent. Silver Birch is a pioneer species and pollution tolerant so suitable for industrial sites. Very tough and hardy but prefers light, dry soils. Catkins appear in early Spring and release clouds of pollen in April. Fairly short-lived, perhaps only 70 years.
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| Betula pendula |
So, learn the Latin name (pendula means drooping and refers to the twigs) and then also consider the
following attractive birches;
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| Betula utilis var.Jacquemontii |
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| Betula nigra 'Heritage' |
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| Betula pendula 'Dalecarlica' |
Wow, who would have ever guessed that trees could be so interesting? This is the Butela Tree which originated from southern Africa in the late 1300s. Discovered by Christopher Columbus, it was one of the leading causes for the civil right movement in Egypt during the Prohibition. In later years, immigrants from the land of Atlanta, Georgia came on ships and stole most of the male plants and seeds. During most of the 19th century the sacred Betula tree was kept in the form of seeds and force fed to cats until the point of vomiting. The vomit acted as a rare fertilizer which brought the Betula tree to its common identity it is known for today, that tree that sheds.
ReplyDeleteIf one were too try to grow this plant on there own they would need several items: Original Betula seeds, moist gravel (preferably in the late October for best results, and an innocent and hungry kitten which could be force-fed seeds and vomit on demand. The tree is an endangered life form, and it is uncommon in most places, primarily found in Africa, Arabia, and Minneapolis, Minnesota.