Beith Geal
Latin name: Betula pendula
Have you ever seen a silver birch?
Can you guess where it gets its name?
The white-grey colour of its bark makes it look silver in the light.
Birch Tree
Courtesy of Coillte Teoranta
Courtesy of Coillte Teoranta
The silver birch is a deciduous tree. Its branches droop towards the ground.
The flowers of the silver birch grow in the spring. Its small seeds are a favourite food for birds, especially for Coaltits and Goldfinches.
Its leaves are bright green. At the end of the summer they change to a soft yellow colour.
Birch wood is used to make brooms and fences. The bark of the tree is used for dying fishing nets and leather.
Did you know that the silver birch is the national tree of Finland?